'No cellular service' issue in Menora Tunnel resolved, says Perak exco member

IPOH: The problem of accessing telecommunication lines, which is often a bane for highway users when driving through the Menora Tunnel on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) here, has been resolved through the installation of a repeater, a kind of amplifier, at the entrance of the tunnel.

Perak communications, multimedia and non-governmental organisation (NGO) committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the telecommunications disruption in the area had occurred since last year and was recently brought up at the state legislative assembly sitting.

"Most of the complaints received were from users. Several discussion sessions were held with the owners of telecommunication towers in this area and they have replaced the damaged repeater at the tunnel.

"For today, we also went down to the ground to check the signal in the Menora Tunnel and we found that the problem has been fully resolved," he said after inspecting improvement initiatives for telecommunication coverage and work progress at the Menora Tunnel, northbound of the PLUS here today.

Mohd Azlan also said that, in addition to problems in the Menora Tunnel, they are also striving to improve the quality of telecommunication line coverage at several other locations along the PLUS highway in Perak.

He said that, for now, the two locations identified as not having proper coverage are near Gua Tempurung and the northbound route after the Menora Tunnel.

"The installation of minor towers will be carried out in the area for active coverage of telecommunication lines, but it needs the approval of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), considering the limited space for the construction of any structures," he said.

In another development, he said a total of 30 telecommunication towers will be built at several Orang Asli settlements in Perak to improve broadband access and facilitate their interaction with the wider world.

He added that this was proof of the government's concern for the interests and needs of the Orang Asli, especially on matters related to technology.

"These efforts will not just stop there... the state government is also looking at alternatives that can improve broadband access in Orang Asli settlements, such as the installation of Starlink, the use of satellites and so on.

"Our objective is for them to have the best Internet access to facilitate them carrying out their daily activities through technological facilities," he said