Minister of Communications Fahmi said that the 264 telecom towers damaged in Kelantan's floods have been repaired and are now operating normally, with their functionality continuing to be enhanced.
“One of the possible improvements is site hardening. Therefore, I request a study on the necessity of implementing site hardening for these telecom towers, especially in areas potentially affected by floods, and several preventive measures must be taken before October.”
“As is well known, October is the month to prepare for the northeast monsoon. Therefore, all necessary measures need to be taken before the monsoon arrives.”
He said this to the media after inspecting the telecom tower in Kampung Jubakar Pantai, which was recently damaged by floods.
Fahmi also urged the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to hold joint seminars with all network service provider companies and Tenaga Nasional Berhad to identify areas where telecom towers might be affected by future floods, even if they have not been previously affected.
He pointed out that one telecom tower in Tumpat was not listed as a flood risk area but was recently affected by floods.
“In view of this, the communications commission and telecom companies are urged to conduct simulation seminars to assess the impacts when water levels in telecom tower areas reach certain heights.”
Fahmi emphasized that replacing affected telecom tower equipment and upgrading the towers will incur significant costs.
Hence, he urged the department and communications commission to explore more resilient and sustainable solutions.
“Measures that can be taken include using alternative technologies like solar energy in areas without power supply.”
“Furthermore, new technologies currently being tested through pilot projects in various areas will also be considered for future adoption.”