BELAGA (Oct 9): Sarawak has taken another step forward in bridging the digital divide with the launch of MySRBN XL, a new high-speed and affordable internet package aimed at improving connectivity in rural areas.

State Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi officiated the launch during the MySRBN new coverage ceremony at the Belaga community hall today.

He said the introduction of MySRBN XL marks a new evolution in the state’s effort to deliver faster, more stable and affordable internet access, particularly for communities in the interior.

“MySRBN XL is not just a rebranding, but a major step to ensure Sarawakians enjoy internet services on par with global standards.”

Introduced in August this year, MySRBN XL offers fibre-based broadband with speeds of up to 100Mbps.

The prepaid package costs RM79 per month, without long-term contracts, providing flexibility to rural users with different financial means.

As part of a promotional offer, new customers who sign up before Dec 31, 2025, will enjoy a discounted rate of RM69 per month for the first six months.

Julaihi revealed that as of Oct 6, 2025, more than 35,700 customer premises across Sarawak have been connected under the MySRBN initiative, including 225 in Belaga.

The network has recorded an average daily data usage of 7.83GB per user statewide, while Belaga users recorded an average of 4.03GB per day.

Currently, 573 SMART transmitter sites are operational, providing internet coverage to communities across the state.

“This is a great achievement. It means more Sarawakians are now enjoying high-speed internet access.

“For Belaga residents, this means schoolchildren can access digital learning, small businesses can reach wider markets, and communities can stay connected,” he said.

Julaihi described MySRBN XL as a game changer for rural communities, comparing its impact to how electricity and road projects once transformed rural life.

“Sarawak is not only connecting its people with physical bridges, but also digital ones, opening access to wider economic, educational and social opportunities,” he said.

The minister credited the success of MySRBN XL to close cooperation between the state government, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC), and Borneo Restu Sdn Bhd.

He said the initiative leverages infrastructure from the Point of Presence (PoP) Phase 2 project, which targets internet coverage for 136 rural and semi-rural locations throughout Sarawak.

“This proves that the Sarawak government is serious about ensuring no one is left behind, even in remote areas like Belaga.”

Julaihi also urged residents to use the internet wisely for learning, entrepreneurship, and maintaining family connection, while taking care of the infrastructure built for their benefit.

“These facilities are a shared asset – let’s protect them together,” he reminded.

He praised SDEC’s role as the main implementing agency of Sarawak’s digital agenda, particularly in overcoming geographical challenges in Belaga.

Julaihi said the MySRBN XL rollout aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which identify digital infrastructure as a key driver of progress.

“Sarawak is building not only roads and bridges, but also digital highways connecting rural communities to global opportunities,” he said.

Since its introduction in 2021, MySRBN has enabled thousands of Sarawakians, especially in remote areas, to access online education and business opportunities.

Under the initiative, the government provides subsidised internet packages, including 1TB of data for RM20 per month and 300MB of free basic data each month for essential communication.

Also present were State Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, the ministry’s permanent secretary Syed Mohamad Fauzi Shahab, and SDEC chief executive officer Dato Sudarnoto Osman.