MORE than half of the 160 telecommunications towers affected by the floods in Johor have been repaired as of yesterday, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. 

He said only those in Batu Pahat have yet to be repaired as the area is still flooded. 

“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has identified several towers that need to undergo site heightening to prevent them from being affected by the floods again. 

“We have successfully carried out the process in Kelantan and Terengganu, which are often hit by floods. In Johor, we will look at the trends and areas at risk to ensure we can raise the position of towers in as many locations as possible.” 

He told reporters this after presenting aid to flood victims in the state and visiting the Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) at Kampung Sungai Tiram in Johor Baru today. 

Fahmi said his ministry will propose that the Education Ministry use PEDi in Johor as home-based teaching and learning locations for students whose schools are still affected by floods or used as temporary relief centres.

“We are still gathering information to find out which schools are affected … and which PEDi areas are close to (students) and can be used,” he said. 

Commenting on his meeting with Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi yesterday, Fahmi said his ministry and the state government have agreed to set up a task force to resolve telecommunications issues in Johor.

The task force’s first meeting was held today, and the ministry was represented by its secretary-general Mohammad Mentek.

“This is a pilot project. If it succeeds in resolving the issues here, we will implement the same initiative in other states in the future,” he said. – Bernama, March 13, 2023.