Johor Polls: Onn Moots WBS Project To Improve Internet Access In Senggarang
By Hasnah Jusid
JOHOR BAHRU, July 5 (Bernama) -- A proposal for the implementation of a Wireless Bridging System (WBS) project has been submitted to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) to address poor internet connectivity in seven areas within the Senggarang state constituency.
Batu Pahat MP Onn Abu Bakar said the proposal, under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), is seeking an initial allocation of between RM100,000 and RM200,000, with the project to be carried out in collaboration with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).
Onn, who is also the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Senggarang seat in the 16th Johor state election, said the initiative is aimed at resolving communication "blind spots" in the constituency, where residents currently receive only weak mobile signals of one to two bars.
The identified areas include Jalan Kampung Sungai Keluang Darat, Jalan Kampung Parit Kadir, Jalan Kampung Parit Seri Bahrom, Kampung Punggur Darat, Sri Merlong, Simpang 6, and the area surrounding Seri Bahrom Mosque.
“We want to ensure that no resident is left behind in the digital era. Through research and the expertise of UTHM, this WBS system will help transmit and strengthen internet signals to the targeted areas,” he said in an interview with Bernama.
Onn said his role as a MP gives him an advantage in raising the issue of digital infrastructure directly with relevant agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Communications Ministry.
He said securing funding and technical support is crucial to ensure the project can be implemented in a structured manner and deliver immediate benefits to residents facing poor internet connectivity, adding that providing quality internet access is one of the "Six Commitments" outlined in his plan to develop the Senggarang constituency comprehensively.
Meanwhile, UTHM's Electrical and Electronic Engineering Faculty Professor Muhammad Ramlee Kamarudin the WBS technology project proposal was submitted to MOSTI in February and presented in early March.
He said several villages in Batu Pahat continue to face challenges in obtaining adequate 4G and 5G network coverage.
Muhammad Ramlee said UTHM has successfully implemented WBS technology in Kampung Simbuan Tulid, Keningau, Sabah, where it has shown strong potential in providing rural communities with more stable and reliable internet access.
“That project will remain under my continuous supervision, together with the UTHM research team, until 2027 to ensure its effectiveness and long-term sustainability,” he said.
Senggarang is one of three state constituencies under the Batu Pahat parliamentary seat, alongside Rengit and Penggaram, and will see a three-cornered contest between Onn Abu Bakar (PH–PKR), Mohd Yusla Ismail (BN–UMNO) and Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon (PN–Bersatu).
Johor voters will cast their ballots on July 11, with early voting set for July 7.
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor State Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.
-- BERNAMA
N24: SENGGARANG: 38,576 voters
1. Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon (PN-Bersatu)
2. Onn Abu Bakar (PH-PKR)
3. Mohd Yusla Ismail (BN-UMNO)
(2022: Mohd Yusla Ismail: BN-UMNO: Maj: 3,912)