Five SMART tower sites in Sarawak now have security walls after repeated theft and vandalism hit public utility infrastructure. [image: 1785202545637-review_smart.jpg] Image source: DayakDaily Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) has built perimeter walls at five SMART tower locations, including Sungai Rayah in Sarikei. The problem is not small. Each SMART telecommunications tower costs about RM2.5 million to build, while one protective wall costs more than RM100,000. Julaihi said the vandalism involves public assets such as electricity cables, fibre optic networks and utility infrastructure. Copper cable theft can disrupt electricity supply, telecommunications service and even water distribution. Why it matters Sarawak has been building SMART towers to improve connectivity, especially outside city areas. When these sites get damaged, the cost does not stop at repairs. It can also affect internet access and basic services for nearby communities. Julaihi said enforcement is still needed, but public awareness is just as important because the State cannot build expensive walls around every tower. Location: Sarawak, including Sungai Rayah, Sarikei Details: Five SMART tower sites fortified after repeated theft and vandalism; each tower costs around RM2.5 million, while one wall costs over RM100,000. Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sarawak's internet coverage has jumped from 54.3% to 94.5% in just four years, driven by a RM2.3 billion state-led telecommunications infrastructure push under the Saluran initiative. Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi announced the milestone at the Sacofa Client Networking Hi-Tea 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting that the achievement reflects strong collaboration between government agencies, telcos and infrastructure partners. [image: 1781330767828-sarawak-internet.jpg] Key Numbers RM2.3 billion invested under Saluran initiative 94.5% internet coverage — up from 54.3% in 2022 618 telecom towers built under SMART Project (incl. 17 relay towers) 636 towers completed under federal JENDELA Phase 1 337 more sites identified for JENDELA Phase 2 (starting Q4 2026) ~50,000 households connected via MySRBN fixed wireless and fibre ~250 rural locations served by WiFi Saluran satellite internet 12,000km fibre optic infrastructure statewide 1,680 telecom towers managed by Sacofa The SMART Project is a key pillar of Saluran, targeting rural and remote areas that previously had little to no connectivity. Julaihi said Sarawak is also looking beyond telecoms — with plans to establish a state space agency and aerospace advisory council. Location: Sarawak (statewide) Details: Minister Julaihi Narawi at Sacofa event, KL Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post Still waiting for fibre in your area? How's your connection?