PENAMPANG: Internet readiness for the 17th Sabah Election is “on the right footing”, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said preparations include deploying Starlink units to 29 polling centres by Nov 28 to ensure stable coverage for polling operations.
“All telco towers across Sabah are functioning well and no major disruptions have been reported so far,” he said during a working visit to the state election media centre, here, Tuesday.
Fahmi said three main media centres in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau are operating round-the- clock.
He said 131 National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi) have been activated statewide as mini media hubs for journalists needing high-speed internet.
“These sites will allow reporters working far from the main hubs to cover the election efficiently.”
Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating three online cases linked to the campaign, with two already referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
“One case is still under investigation, and details cannot be disclosed at this stage,” Fahmi said.
He issued a firm reminder to all parties to avoid issues related to race, religion and royalty (3R) in campaigning, saying it could harm social harmony.
“Campaign healthily and responsibly; do not let divisive content undermine democracy,” he said.
He said the Community Communications Department (Jkom), is reviewing proposals to strengthen operations following recent scrutiny.
Fahmi also confirmed ongoing coordination with relevant authorities to assist Malaysian students stranded abroad, citing cases in Hatyai.
“All efforts are in place to ensure public welfare and smooth communication during the election period,” he said.
He said the Government remains committed to supporting both media operations and voter accessibility during the state election.
