KOTA KINABALU: On-the-spot news reporting and information dissemination is expected to be improved with the launch of RTM Sabah’s first digital satellite news gathering (DSNG) van.

       Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said with Sabah being such a huge and geographically challenging state, live reporting on current events including emergencies and disasters was somewhat limited.

       Now, with this first van of its kind for RTM Sabah, these challenges can be addressed, he said.

       He said this when launching the van at the RTM complex near here on Tuesday (March 29).

       “Information sharing and dissemination, especially during emergencies and disasters, is very important,” Annuar said.

       “Therefore, the availability of RTM Sabah’s first DSNG is timely and appropriate,” he added.

       Meanwhile, on questions of whether telecommunication services and infrastructure provided by the government tallied, he said there are some matters relating to this that the public did not seem to understand.

       Annuar said while the government provided infrastructure to enable internet and telecommunication coverage, it was up to telecommunication companies to ensure that the services provided were satisfactory.

       He said telecommunication companies must make sure that they upgrade their towers and equipment even in rural or less populated areas because connectivity has been provided.

       He said these companies must also ensure that the last mile equipment is in place and work hand-in-hand with the government to provide the best services to the people.

       Annuar urged telecommunications companies in the country to plough back profits to the people for better quality internet and broadband services.

       He said he does not feel proud when telecommunications companies revealed how much profit they made out of their services when the happiness index is not there.

       “I want telcos to profit but we must make sure that customers are happy with the speed and connectivity of the internet,” he said.

       “Telcos must plough back part of their profits via corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes and upgrade towers, among other measures, for the people, even in rural areas,” he added.

       He mentioned Sabah’s unstable electricity supply being among the many factors hindering the best telecommunication services to the people.

       Thus, Annuar suggested that telecommunication companies put in extra investments such as preparing generators to support their services during power outages.