YOURSAY | 'Flying modem': Rakyat's innovation highlights govt's failure

YOURSAY |  'Only in Malaysia that we erect our own ragtag communication masts.'

Hoist the modem! A plantation estate uses flagpoles to get online

Coward: It's a sad truth that rural area communication will be several orders worse than in town. It is also always true that ingenious local solutions will be developed in reaction to this.

However, only in Malaysia that we erect our own ragtag communication masts. It is not a bad solution and might be a necessary one, given the lush trees we have.

Our problem is not about this as the solution but the apathy of the government to the villagers' plight. The government’s lack of action to improve communication in rural areas is making sure that we lag behind other countries, and the distance is widening.

When someone managed to grab the public attention on how atrocious the situation is, what did the government do? Instead of tackling the question head-on, they blame the messenger.

The good news is, we made sure they did not get their way. Only now, after the heroic/desperate effort of a young girl, that others dare to speak out.

It's sad that the villagers felt that they could not say anything before this. At least, this time it is difficult for the bullies to deploy the same tricks.

Anonymous 52378: If one needs to hoist a modem up a pole to get internet signal, I shudder to think about the speed of the signal!

Isn’t it nice that we have money to splurge on fancy buildings (Petronas Twin Towers, Exchange 106, Telekom Tower) or Putrajaya, but no money for basic infrastructures in some ulu (rural) areas?

Did I read that some folks in Kampung Sungai Teras in Slim, Perak, only managed to get electricity when there was a by-election recently? Did I read that some Sabah folks will only vote for those frogs (oops, sorry, representatives) who can pave the roads in their kampung?

So, there you go, all you need is a by-election. Then you can ask for something or maybe anything. Otherwise, you get scolded by some ministers for faking the issue. Just ask student Veveonah Mosibin.

Now, with the Sabah election, even an Umno VIP can visit her to offer a personal apology. That is how humble our politicians and ministers are. We just need to get the right timing.

ScarletHamster1885: Is this a surprise? We should not be begging for basic necessities. Voters should demand more from their representatives. If they are not doing a good or a better job, kick them out.

But most voters are too lenient and have voted back those who will never bring changes to their area. And this has become a norm. Every time election comes, politicians will put out baits and lure voters into supporting them. And most of the time it works. How sad it is.

This country will not progress if the mindset of the voters does not change. Even some politicians do not think betrayal is an issue as long as they continue to give out goodies during the election campaign.

Look at Sabah now. Goodies flying around... but will Sabahans really see improvements?

IndigoTrout2522: What a shame and sad for those folks who could not get access to the internet.

Computer and internet technology have been around for three to four decades. The world now is moving to 5G and I remember Pakatan Harapan’s minister of telecommunications talking about installing 5G network.

What is the present government thinking? It has grand plans and expectations to join the ranks of developed nations but it is just a wild dream if all these basic infrastructures are not even in place.

Masul: Telcos and Telekom Malaysia are seemingly here only to make money. No returns, no line.

By the way, since yesteryears, communication has improved, though slowly. Those days, to communicate, you have to use a public phone. That is if there was one nearby.

Further back, in the old days, the police officer will cycle to the houses to convey important messages. Today, things have changed. That is good.

And the government should be quick to serve the rakyat. Don't wait until someone falls to death, for only then will they act. The government should make improvements quickly, or else let someone else do it!

2 Cent: Perhaps the questions on poor telecommunication coverage should be directed to the prime minister.

I vividly remember that he said: "Tambahan RM400 juta akan dilaburkan untuk meningkatkan liputan dan keupayaan rangkaian bagi mengekalkan ketersediaan dan kualiti rangkaian telekomunikasi yang tinggi dan mampan" (An additional RM400 million will be invested in coverage and network expansion to maintain and improve high telecommunication quality), when he proudly announced the Prihatin stimulus package, which he claimed to be worth RM250 billion.

Well That’s Fantastic: This is really horrible that after all this time these people need to go to such great lengths to get online. We know that educated voters will think before they vote, being online makes it possible to become educated very easily.

A tip for when it is raining, put your modem and power bank in a sealed plastic container.

GreenGoat7645: It is obvious that rural folks cannot enjoy connectivity like the city people do. Poor connectivity means lesser learning opportunities due to lack of contact with the outside world.

The government should really look into these issues as nobody wants the gap between city and rural people to widen.

Astrologer: I am an estate boy now living in Kuala Lumpur. Whenever I balik kampung (return to my hometown), I experience the same thing.

I have to drive some 4km to 5km away, just get a better signal for internet access.

Peaky Blinder: We must get more coverage of these issues to be brought forward to the public lens. It is wonderful to see how people can adapt to circumstances through innovative and creative ideas.

Thank you, Malaysiakini, for raising awareness of our predicament.

Newday: Wonderful innovation. It’s a great pity that there was this reason for the innovation.

PM, where are you? Oh, in Sabah, promising hundreds of internet towers. These residents just need one.

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