LAWAS: Several locations in Lawas District have been earmarked for the construction of telecommunication towers to ramp up broadband communication speed in tandem with the state’s drive towards digital economy.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this is line with the state government’s desire to widen internet coverage and increase broadband speed throughout the state.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Resources, was met during his Raya open house at his village of Kampung Dato on Wednesday, which attracted over 1,500 people.

Commenting further, he said both Limbang and Lawas districts were already connected by fibre optic telecommunication infrastructure, which he said would stimulate business and e-commerce in the area.

“Both districts are fiberised as we have a good cooperation with our neighbour Brunei,” he said.

On the Rimbunan Kasih (PRK) pilot project in Sundar sub-district, he said it is a business model based on a holistic concept to raise the income of participants in Sundar and Awat Awat

As part of the Rural Transformation Programme, this agro-based project is already producing golden honey dew fruits for export to Brunei.

It is currently spearheaded by IRIS Corporation, a private company, and guides participants through courses and
training in production and marketing while providing job opportunities.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah was touched by the overwhelming response to his open house in his village and in Lawas town from people from all strata of society and age groups.

“They come from all walks of life, different races and religions and cultural backgrounds. It is a joy to see such solidarity and harmony here.

“I pray that such harmony will continue to be upheld and the society will continue to leave in peace and harmony,” he  added.

About 10,000 people thronged his Raya open house spread over three days at Hotel Seri Malaysia and in his village, the first since his appointment as deputy chief minister.

Also present were his wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Datuk Awang Daud, PBB Bukit Sari deputy branch chairman Awangku Jinal Abidin Pengiran Jawa, who is also Lawas District Council deputy chairman, and community leaders.