Subsea cable launches connecting Malaysia and Indonesia

Nov 02, 2023

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From left: En Busiai Bin Seman (COO of SAINS), Mr. Dominick Siddle (CMO of irix), Mr. Sng Wei Kai (executive director of irix), Mr. Jonathan Smith (CEO of irix), YB Datuk Julaihi Narawi (Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak), Mr. Abang Abdillah Izzarim Bin Datuk Patinggi Abg Hj. Ab Rahman Zohari (chairman of irix), Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din (chairman of MCMC)

International provider, irix (formerly known as PP Telecommunication) has launched the Batam-Sarawak Internet Cable System (BaSICS) and Tier IV data centre, the irix DC.

The launch was officiated by YB Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, who was accompanied by irix Chairman Abang Abdillah Izzarim Bin Datuk Patinggi Abg Hj. Ab Rahman Zohari.

BaSICS is a submarine cable system, privately developed by irix, that links Batam in Indonesia with Sarawak, landing at the irix data centre where terrestrial networks can carry the improved internet access to all parts of Sarawak and Borneo, including Kalimantan.

The two facilities form an initial phase of the Sarawak International Internet Gateway, in line with the aspirations of the Sarawak state government's Digital Transformation Programme.

The launches of BaSICS and irix DC are designed to provide Sarawakians with improved internet access, thanks to reduced latency issues and downtime. It will eventually reach the rest of Borneo and Kalimantan.

Dr Jonathan Smith, chief executive officer of PP Telecommunication explains: ‘For this to happen, a strong internet backbone that connects Sarawak to the wider world needs to be in place. This is what we, as irix, are endeavouring to do. Today, we see the next chapter in our story – the launch of our Batam-Sarawak Internet Cable System (BaSICS) and our Tier IV Data Centre at Santubong.’

Datuk Julaihi Narawi adds: ‘The roadmap is laid out in our post-Covid development strategy 2030 which outlines seven strategic thrusts to accelerate economic development, including accelerating digital adoption and data utilisation to generate outcomes. BaSICS and the Tier IV data centre are part of the digitalisation equation to improve connectivity in Sarawak. These will lay down the backbone needed to bring Sarawak's internet connectivity to the next level.’