TM Keen To Participate In SALAM Submarine Cable Project

Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is expressing interest in joining the SALAM submarine cable project, which aims to improve connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Group CEO Datuk Amar Huzaimi Md Deris stated the company is assessing its options and is enthusiastic about participating in the project. Huzaimi made these remarks during a TM media briefing on the company's second-quarter financial results.

However, TM has not disclosed whether it has submitted a proposal to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Earlier this month, MCMC invited telecommunications licensees to submit draft proposals for the SALAM initiative under the Universal Service Provision framework. Interested parties were required to submit a registration of interest and a draft universal service plan as part of the procurement process.

The SALAM project will involve a 5,582km submarine cable system with four segments and 10 cable landing stations connecting Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. The $2 billion project under Budget 2026 aims to enhance Malaysia's communications network resilience, reliability, and support for broadband, 5G services, and digital industries.

Last year, TM also participated in the Asia Direct Cable project, connecting Malaysia with Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan.