KUCHING, 18 December: Sarawak is one step closer to state-wide internet connectivity with the launch of Sistem Kabel Rakyat 1Malaysia (SKR1M) submarine cable system on 18 December 2017.

SKR1M was built with the objective to enhance the existing domestic submarine cable connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak thus catering for future bandwidth growth requirements.

“The establishment of this new submarine cable system is part of the government’s initiative to increase and improve internet access availability and quality in Sarawak,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg at the launch.

“With the availability of the core backbone connectivity provided through SKR1M, I am confident that Malaysians, particularly people in Sarawak will be able to fully embrace a digital lifestyle and further boost the digital economy.”

The submarine cable system spans over 3,800 km and has an initial capacity of four (4) Terabit per second (Tbps). With its state-of-the-art 100Gbps technology, it is capable of being upgraded to at least 12.8 Tbps of design capacity.

There are six landing points across the country namely, Kuantan, Mersing, Kuching, Bintulu, Miri and Kota Kinabalu.

“The development of the SKR1M cable system is in line with our efforts as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion. The development demonstrates our strong support of the government’s initiatives towards increasing the capacity of high-speed broadband in the country, hence accelerating the transformation of the digital economy especially in Sarawak,” said TM Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Sulaiman in his speech at the launching ceremony.

The cable system will enable the delivery of seamless integrated solutions and accelerate customer’s access to the digital world.
Also present at the launching ceremony were TM Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bazlan Osman and MCMC Chief Operating Officer Dato’ Dr Mazlan Ismail.