Malaysia's Communications Ministry is preparing to introduce direct-to-device satellite internet technology to Sabah as part of the ambitious second phase of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced during a visit to the state. The proof-of-concept trials will target multiple locations identified as suitable for testing this emerging connectivity solution, which bypasses traditional infrastructure by delivering internet access directly from satellites to mobile devices.
The rollout of JENDELA Phase II represents a significant shift in how Malaysia intends to bridge the digital divide, particularly in regions where conventional tower-based infrastructure remains impractical or cost-prohibitive. Rather than relying solely on the installation of telecommunications towers—a process that typically requires at least two years and presents substantial logistical challenges—the ministry is adopting a diversified technological approach tailored to different geographical and demographic contexts. This flexibility signals recognition that one-size-fits-all solutions cannot adequately serve Malaysia's varied landscape, from densely populated urban centres to sparsely inhabited rural communities.
Fahmi indicated that the ministry would identify testing locations not only in Sabah but also in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, creating a geographically distributed trial network. Some designated areas will see traditional tower construction proceed, while others will be equipped with satellite or tower-free technologies instead. This strategic differentiation allows the ministry to gather comparative data on deployment timelines, operational costs, and user experience across different technological solutions, ultimately informing the most efficient path forward for nationwide digital inclusion.
Complementing the satellite internet initiative is the MADANI Submarine Cable Connection programme, branded as SALAM, which the ministry positions as a catalyst for accelerating Sabah's digital economy. Unlike satellite solutions, which may face latency and bandwidth limitations, submarine cables provide the high-capacity, low-latency connectivity essential for supporting data-intensive applications and attracting digital investment to the region. The infrastructure footprint has been substantially expanded from the original plan, which centred solely on a landing point in Tanjung Aru near Kota Kinabalu.
The enhanced SALAM initiative will establish multiple landing points and cable routes throughout Sabah and Sarawak. The network will connect Sedili with Kuching and Miri in Sarawak, while in Sabah it will link Tanjung Aru, Sandakan, and Tawau. This expanded coastal infrastructure reflects a more comprehensive vision for regional connectivity, ensuring that secondary economic centres like Sandakan and Tawau—traditionally underserved compared to the state capital—receive direct access to international internet backbone capacity. Such geographic distribution is critical for economic diversification, as it enables businesses in these secondary hubs to compete on equal footing with Kota Kinabalu-based enterprises.
The significance of this submarine cable expansion extends beyond mere connectivity improvements. By distributing multiple landing points across different coastal locations, Malaysia reduces dependency on any single infrastructure node and creates redundancy that enhances network resilience against both technical failures and geopolitical disruptions. For Sabah and Sarawak, this resilience is particularly valuable given their distance from Peninsular Malaysia and their exposure to maritime supply chain vulnerabilities. The initiative thus serves dual purposes: economic development and strategic infrastructure security.
Fahmi emphasized his ministry's commitment to adhering to implementation timelines and budgetary constraints while simultaneously prioritizing digital literacy programmes. This dual focus addresses a critical gap in digital inclusion policy: infrastructure deployment alone yields limited benefits if end-users lack the knowledge and skills to leverage connectivity effectively. The minister's explicit acknowledgment of this challenge reflects growing awareness within government that digital divides are not purely technical phenomena but encompass educational and social dimensions as well.
The digital literacy imperative becomes particularly acute given Malaysia's expanding cybercrime landscape. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has identified over 2,000 fraudulent accounts operating nationwide within a five-to-six-week period, deployed primarily to disseminate misinformation, distribute explicit content, and facilitate scams and illegal gambling operations. Sabah, despite its lower population density, is not immune to these threats. The proliferation of fake accounts suggests that as connectivity expands to previously unserved communities, so too will exposure to online criminal activity unless accompanied by robust digital safety education.
The ministry's strategy to combat fake accounts and online criminal networks represents an underappreciated dimension of digital infrastructure policy. Connectivity without security and digital literacy becomes a liability rather than an asset, potentially exposing vulnerable populations in newly connected areas to exploitation. Fahmi's commitment to intensifying MCMC's enforcement efforts, particularly in Sabah, signals recognition that infrastructure investment must be paired with active cyber-security governance.
For Malaysian policymakers, the JENDELA Phase II approach in Sabah offers valuable lessons in adaptive infrastructure planning. By combining satellite technology for difficult-to-serve areas with submarine cable capacity for economic hubs and tower-based solutions where feasible, the ministry is constructing a pragmatic framework that acknowledges Malaysia's physical and economic diversity. This heterogeneous approach contrasts with earlier digital policy initiatives that often pursued uniformity regardless of local context.
The timing of this initiative carries significance within Malaysia's broader development agenda. As ASEAN grapples with digital competitiveness and supply chain resilience, Malaysian states like Sabah that successfully integrate into regional digital ecosystems gain strategic advantage. Robust internet infrastructure serves as prerequisite for participation in digital trade, remote services delivery, and knowledge economy activities. By extending world-class connectivity to Sabah's secondary cities and remote communities simultaneously, Malaysia positions the state to capture digital economy opportunities rather than ceding them to competitors within or outside the region.
Looking forward, the success of JENDELA Phase II will likely influence how Malaysia approaches digital infrastructure expansion in other challenging geographies. Sarawak's inclusion in the trial programme means that lessons learned will directly benefit another large, diverse state facing similar connectivity challenges. The infrastructure investments announced represent not merely technical upgrades but foundational elements for Malaysia's economic competitiveness in an increasingly digital global economy, with direct implications for how Sabah and the broader East Malaysia region can participate in and benefit from digital transformation.
