77 New Communication Towers to Be Built Along 50 km of Highway Stretches
CYBERJAYA: A total of 77 new telecommunication towers will be built along approximately 50 kilometres of highway stretches in the country that have been identified as having unsatisfactory telecommunication coverage.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed today between the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Works (KKR) through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) with the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is part of a larger effort towards realising the development of Smart Highways in Malaysia.
According to him, the collaboration will also focus on several locations that have geographical and technical challenges requiring a specific approach.
“This aspiration is not just about using new technology, but involves the formation of an infrastructure ecosystem capable of supporting real-time traffic management, digital asset monitoring, more responsive safety systems, and a more efficient and seamless travel experience for users.
“In this context, the cooperation between LLM and MCMC is crucial because the development of smart highways requires strong coordination between road infrastructure and communication infrastructure.
“Moreover, the implementation of various future initiatives including the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), data-based traffic analytics and the implementation of the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF) system require a comprehensive and reliable level of infrastructure availability,” he said in a speech at the MoU Exchange Ceremony between LLM and MCMC here today.
Earlier, Alexander together with Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil witnessed the exchange of the MoU between MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and LLM Chairman Datuk Seri Ir. Hasni Mohammad.
The MoU was signed to strengthen strategic cooperation in the development of communication infrastructure along the national highway network, in line with efforts to ensure that digital infrastructure development moves in tandem with physical infrastructure development for the benefit of the people and the country’s economic growth.
Through this collaboration, the public will enjoy better communication access during their journeys, including emergency communication, navigation applications, real-time traffic information and various other digital services, such as telecommunication towers and fibre optic networks, thus contributing to a safer, smoother and more connected travel experience.
Meanwhile, Fahmi in his speech said efforts to strengthen communication coverage along highways are not merely a telecommunication project, but a strategic investment that supports public safety, increases economic productivity and accelerates the country’s digital transformation.
He said, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation can be enjoyed by all the people, the cooperation between MCMC and LLM embodies the spirit of ‘Where There Is a Road, There Is Internet’.
“MCMC has begun the implementation process through an invitation issued on 15 May to improve Internet coverage on several major highways identified as requiring improvement, including the East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), the West Coast Expressway (WCE) and the Pan Borneo Highway.
“I am confident that through the commitment, expertise and collaborative spirit of all parties, we will not only improve communication coverage along national highways, but also build a stronger foundation to empower the smart mobility ecosystem, accelerate digital economic growth and create a more connected life for future generations.
“Therefore, I strongly hope that Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi can consider a special approval mechanism for large-scale projects such as this so that their implementation can be expedited, thus enabling the public to enjoy the benefits within a shorter period,” he said.
Utusan Malaysia