KUCHING, 6 September 2022: Kuching-based telecommunication company irix today launched their Batam-Sarawak Internet Cable System (BaSICS) and Tier IV Data Centre, the irix DC @ Santubong 1 (irix DC) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, heralding the beginning of a new era in improved internet connectivity for all Sarawakians and residents of Borneo.
The launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, who was accompanied by irix Chairman Yang Berbahagia Mr. Abang Abdillah Izzarim Bin Datuk Patinggi Abg Hj. Ab Rahman Zohari.
With the launch of both BaSICS and irix DC, Sarawakians can look forward to improved internet access, with latency issues and downtime soon to be a thing of the past, enhancing quality of life and potential for such endeavours as e-commerce, hybrid work arrangements and enjoying online entertainment for Sarawakians and eventually, the rest of Borneo and Kalimantan.
“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,” said Dr Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive Officer of PP Telecommunication.
Commenting on Sarawak’s aspirations for improved internet access, Datuk Julaihi Narawi during his speech explained that “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 improving connectivity in Sarawak. These will lay down the backbone needed to bring Sarawak’s internet connectivity to the next level.”
BaSICS is a submarine cable system, privately developed by irix, that links Batam in Indonesia with Sarawak, landing at the irix DC where terrestrial networks can carry the improved internet access to all parts of Sarawak and Borneo, including Kalimantan. The irix DC is the first and only Tier IV designed and certified data centre in Malaysia, offering improved redundancies with no downtime.
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 launch gambit involved the Minister and irix Chairman connecting a mock cable to symbolise the operational status of both BaSICS and irix DC.
Following the launch, another signing ceremony took place between PP Telecommunication and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) for a client agreement, with Dr Jonathan Smith representing irix and SAINS Chief Operating Officer En Busiai Bin Seman, representing the Chief Executive Officer of SAINS.
“We look forward to working with further partners in this industry, such as ISPs and mobile carriers, to utilise our infrastructure and are actively working to establish additional partnerships and collaborations for further expansion of our networks,” commented Dr. Smith on the signing ceremony.
About PP Telecommunication
PP Telecommunication Sdn Bhd (PPTEL) began with the desire to connect Sarawak to the world: bringing communication freedom home. ‘irix’ (small ‘i’) is the brand identity for PPTEL.
We are a fully licensed operator for the whole of Malaysia, based in Kuching holding three licences awarded by the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC/SKMM) namely; Network Facilities Provider (NFP), Network Service Provider (NSP) and Application Service Provider (ASP). These licences are the required enablers for us to become a key telecommunications service provider in Sarawak, providing a solid base on which we build our global ambition.
We are a private company fully owned by our Sarawakian investors, with strong support from the government and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).
A dynamic and growing team combining young and experienced professionals, with a blend of internationally experienced experts, based at our offices in Kuching, Sarawak.
About SAINS
Since the inception of Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS), the company has created over 200 applications, transforming hundreds of manual processes in the Sarawak Government into automated application systems and mobile apps, thus elevating the efficiency of the State civil service to among the top in the country. These applications have also benefited the public greatly by granting them access to government services any time anywhere, eliminating queues, minimizing idle time, and even allowing the processes to be tracked.
