Pulau Ketam Benefits From High-Speed Internet Under Stingray II Project

KLANG, July 4 (Bernama) -- Pulau Ketam, once plagued by weak Internet coverage, is now enjoying stable high-speed connectivity following the completion of the Stingray II Project in Nov 2023, which began operations early last year.

The initiative has significantly benefited more than 6,000 residents, including micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) operators.

The project involved the installation of a 34.58-kilometre undersea fibre optic cable to Pulau Ketam, enabling high-speed Internet access through a strategic collaboration between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Telekom Malaysia (TM), the appointed service provider.

This has paved the way for broader digital transformation on the island.

Pulau Ketam Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) representative Richard Wang Kheng Hwa, 59, said the improved Internet quality has remained stable even during bad weather and is positively impacting daily life.

He said the reliable Internet has encouraged local businesses to adopt cashless payments, easing transactions, especially with foreign tourists who may not carry much cash.

“The tourism sector is also seeing growth. Based on recent data, we now receive over 5,000 visitors on weekends, thanks to social media promotions,” he told Bernama recently.

For satay seller Saslinawati Jali, 41, the improved coverage has allowed her to expand online sales and offer cashless payment options.

She noted that limited Internet access previously made it difficult to use QR payment systems, discouraging customers from placing large orders.

“I’m now working on promotional videos for social media to boost sales and support my family,” she added.

Saslinawati believes high-speed Internet access is transforming not just the economy but also tourism, education, and social landscape of the island, where many residents work as fishermen.

Led by MCMC and TM, the Stingray II Project is part of efforts to advance the country’s digital transformation agenda. It connects TM’s node in Kapar to Jeram before crossing the sea to Pulau Ketam.

The project not only benefits the island’s community as a whole but also enables 245 users of legacy copper-based Internet services to switch to TM’s high-speed Unifi broadband.

-- BERNAMA