Joniston (right) representing the Chief Minister at the launch ceremony of Celcom Timur (Sabah) new identity.
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is continuing to intensify its digitalisation agenda as a key driver of growth, including expanding connectivity in rural areas, strengthening digital capabilities and accelerating the development of an inclusive digital economy.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that, for this purpose, a total of RM32.31 million has been allocated to the State Computer Services Department (JPKN) for operating and development expenditure this year.
He said that, of the total, RM9.59 million has been channelled towards enhancing the delivery of Government services based on information and communications technology (ICT), covering the provision of computers and ICT networks to State Government agencies, data centre management, improved cyber security and the development of Government application systems.
“The State Government, through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, with the support of the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry continues to place digitalisation at the core of growth.
“Focus is given to expanding digital access in rural areas, strengthening digital capabilities and developing an inclusive digital economy, in line with our commitment to improving the state’s productivity and competitiveness,” he said when launching Celcom Timur (Sabah) Sdn Bhd’s new corporate identity at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today. His speech text was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji said digital connectivity now plays a pivotal role in supporting communication, driving innovation and opening up growth opportunities across various sectors.
In this regard, he said strengthening digital infrastructure is among the critical factors in ensuring Sabah’s success and progress, including in realising SMJ 2.0 for the 2026 to 2030 period.
“SMJ 2.0 is a key strategic plan designed to elevate Sabah’s competitiveness, productivity and economic value in a sustainable and inclusive manner.
“It is a continuation of SMJ 1.0, which previously focused on post-Covid-19 recovery and stabilisation, and is now expanded to address increasingly complex global challenges, including those driven by artificial intelligence (AI), the digital economy and cross-border trade,” he said.
He added that, in this context, close collaboration between the State Government and industry players such as Celcom Timur (Sabah) is vital in bridging the digital divide and accelerating the development of the state’s digital ecosystem.
He said the company’s corporate identity refresh reflects its readiness to move forward as an infrastructure provider and strategic partner in shaping Sabah’s digital future.
Hajiji noted that, to date, Celcom Timur (Sabah) has developed nearly 12,000 kilometres of fibre optic network across Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan, forming the backbone of inter-district connectivity and supporting industry needs, particularly in the telecommunications sector.
“This network enables wider access to digital services, including in areas that previously had limited coverage.
“This role positions Celcom Timur (Sabah) not merely as an infrastructure provider, but also as an enabler of inclusive digital development and one of the key drivers of the state’s competitiveness in the digital era,” he said.
He added that the company’s contribution is also evident through the implementation of various national initiatives such as JENDELA, Point of Presence (POP2) and the 5G network, with Celcom Timur (Sabah) acting as the main fibre optic network provider in the state.
