Sabah Assembly: Kuamut Rep Proposes Expanding Starlink Internet Services In Rural Areas

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has proposed that the installation of Starlink satellite internet services be expanded to rural and interior areas to ensure local communities can enjoy the facility and are not left behind in terms of digital access.

Masiung (GRS-Kuamut) said the initiative introduced by the Communications Ministry has had a significant impact on communities, particularly students in rural and interior areas of Sabah who continue to face limited access to internet facilities.

“There is a ministry programme to provide internet access to rural areas through Starlink, and this is a commendable initiative. We therefore urge the minister to expand the programme and, if possible, ensure that every village is equipped with Starlink satellite internet facilities.

“We want this programme to be widely publicised and extended to villages, as it would greatly benefit our students in gaining access to the internet,” he said during the debate on the Sabah Supply Bill 2026 at the State Assembly sitting here today.

To date, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has installed Starlink devices in several rural and remote areas, including two locations each in Papar, Keningau and Tawau, as well as one location each in Kudat, Ranau, Tuaran and Nabawan.

In other developments, Masiung also commended the Sabah government’s achievements through the introduction of various new policies, including initiatives in human capital development, educational assistance and the people’s housing agenda under the Rumah Mesra Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative, while emphasising the need for more efficient implementation at the departmental and agency levels in the state.

He also stressed the importance of expediting the delivery of state government programmes, such as the RM200 education assistance for Form Five and Six students, as well as aid for those pursuing diploma and degree studies, so that beneficiaries can enjoy the assistance without delay.

Meanwhile, Masiung urged the Sabah government to explore the potential of new mineral resources such as gold, coal and rare earth elements as long-term economic catalysts, while also expediting the establishment of a special committee to formulate a mechanism for claiming Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement.

“This is because we want every budget presented here to be fully utilised until the end of the year. We want to see our state progress, remain peaceful and enjoy political stability,” he said while expressing his support for the Sabah Budget 2026.

-- BERNAMA