IPOH: Connectivity in the Menora Tunnel has been restored after a year of poor signal reception.
State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisations Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi attributed the issue to damaged repeater equipment.
"Today, we visited the Menora Tunnel in response to public concerns raised over the past year about signal loss inside the tunnel due to a malfunctioning repeater.
"This matter was also highlighted by Manong assemblyman Berhanudin Ahmad during a recent state assembly sitting," Azlan said during a site visit.
Present were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Northern Region senior director Izani Othman, Perak MCMC director Mohd Irwan Mohamed and PLUS Bhd Northern Region manager Mahadzir Maso'D.
Azlan said the state government formed a telecommunications committee to address the issue.
"Discussions were held with EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, the owner of the telecommunications tower servicing the tunnel, to resolve the problem.
"EdgePoint, which took over from the previous owner, replaced the damaged repeater.
"There were challenges during the replacement process, as drilling into the tunnel structure was prohibited to ensure its integrity.
"The repeaters were successfully installed at the tunnel entrances without any drilling.
"The new repeater is more advanced than the previous model, which was supplied by a now-defunct company.
"It provides uninterrupted signal relay throughout the tunnel and has been installed on both sides of the structure."
Azlan said all telecommunications providers now have signal coverage in the tunnel.
Asked about funding, he clarified that the project was fully financed by service providers and was not part of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela).
On why it took so long to address the issue, he cited the previous company's bankruptcy and damage caused by wild animals to fiber cables, which caused significant delays.
Azlan also raised concerns about connectivity issues along other stretches of the North-South Expressway.
"After exiting the Menora Tunnel heading north from Ipoh, there are still areas with weak connectivity.
"This issue has been brought to the attention of MCMC and telecommunications providers.
"They have proposed building small tower structures in these areas due to land constraints.
"These towers would be constructed on hillsides. The proposal has been submitted to the Malaysian Highway Authority for approval."
On other blind spots along the PLUS expressway in Perak, Azlan identified Gua Tempurung as one of the areas experiencing complete cellular and signal loss.
"This issue is under review. MCMC has conducted speed tests in the area to bring it to the attention of service providers."