MCMC steps up emergency communications support for flood-hit communities in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 16): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has intensified its efforts to ensure disaster-affected communities in Sabah remain connected through the deployment of emergency communication facilities and public internet access services.

Among the key measures is the deployment of MCMC PRIME, a mobile vehicle unit equipped with communication support tools to Kampung Cendrakasih and Penampang.

The unit has been assisting rescue teams and supporting the restoration works carried out by Sabah Electricity.

At the same time, 131 National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) have been activated across impacted areas to provide internet access to affected communities, enabling them to stay connected with both loved ones and the authorities.

As of now, a total of 266 telecommunications towers have been affected due to power outages. Of this number, 147 towers, more than half, have already been restored and brought back online, with recovery works ongoing in phases in close collaboration with telecommunications providers.

To further strengthen coordination, MCMC has established a task force alongside telco companies and SESB to monitor on-ground developments at impacted sites. These regular coordination meetings focus on the recovery of collector sites, critical hubs controlling communications coverage in surrounding areas as well as other key infrastructure identified as high priority.

Efforts also include the provision of temporary power supply through generators to accelerate the restoration of communication services.

MCMC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with emergency agencies, telecommunications providers, and both state and federal authorities to ensure that connectivity and internet access in flood-affected areas are restored as swiftly as possible, in the interest of public safety and the well-being of the people of Sabah.