A TOTAL of 114 localities in Air Itam, Penang, are under Unifi coverage involving 13,500 ports.
State Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said with this installation, the majority areas in Air Itam now have better internet coverage with Unifi Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) infrastructure.
Zairil (PH-Tanjong Bungah) was responding to an oral question by Joseph Ng (PH – Air Itam), who wanted to know the areas in Air Itam that have the Unifi facilities and the current status and timeline of the implementation of the Telekom Malaysia’s upgrading project from copper cables to fiber optics in his constituency, at the State Assembly today.
“And from 13,500 ports, 57 percent have been taken or subscribed by the Air Itam residents.
“However, there are another six localities that are still in the process of installing Unifi FTTH infrastructure.
“The works on these six localities are expected to be completed between the end of 2021 and the second quarter of 2022.
“They are BL Avenue condominium, Kampung Shaik Madar, Flat Kampung Melayu, Kampung Masjid, Harmony Apartment and block 10 of Harmony Apartment,” Zairil told the State Assembly.
He also said the Penang government is committed to ensuring all localities in the state are equipped with better telecommunication infrastructure and internet coverage, including in rural areas.
“The state government also has been working with many stakeholders to optimise the telecommunication network in the state.
“This includes the collaboration with the Malaysian Communications Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to identify underserved areas (areas with internet coverage problem) in the state.
“To those who have a problem with internet coverage in their area, they can report straight to the state authority or directly to the MCMC by using the Jendela Map application.
“The app will then direct telco companies to upgrade internet connectivity based on consumer feedback,” he added.
Zairil added that the state government would also implement the Smart Street Pole (SSP) project from early next year, establishing 151 poles in the first quarter of 2022 and eventually having a total of 1,500 poles by 2025.
“The project would involve the participation of telecommunication stakeholders with the aim to improve the 4G and 5G coverage,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian