KUCHING: Sarawak wants telecommunication service providers to go rural as part of the state’s efforts to achieve full coverage by 2030.

       State Utility and Telecommunications Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said an engagement session was held with telcos last month to encourage them to expand their services to rural areas.

       “We know they are focusing on cities and urban areas, which is more profitable.

       “But if they were to look at the state government’s vision to digitalise Sarawak, it should also benefit them in the long term,” he said.

       Julaihi was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd, Sacofa Sdn Bhd and PP Telecommunication Sdn Bhd yesterday.

       Julaihi said they would continue to engage regularly with telcos on providing services in rural areas.

       “When we conduct site visits, we will bring them along to see for themselves the needs in the rural areas and the potential to be tapped in the near future,” he said.

       Julaihi also said the installation of telco towers in rural areas was ongoing.

       He said the state needed at least 7,000 towers to be fully covered.