SALAM Submarine Cable Project Set To Begin In Q1 2027

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is evaluating submissions for the Madani Submarine Cable (SALAM) project, with infrastructure deployment scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2027. First announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2026 on 10 October 2025, the domestic undersea cable is designed to boost data resilience and capacity between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. According to a parliamentary written reply from the Ministry of Communications, full completion of the SALAM network is slated for the fourth quarter of 2029, alongside immediate parallel expansions under Phase 2 of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela 2).

Key Facts

When Will the SALAM Submarine Cable System Begin Construction?

The SALAM submarine cable system is scheduled to begin deployment in the first quarter of 2027, with final completion targeted for the fourth quarter of 2029. The Ministry of Communications confirmed that the project timeline follows the publication of the initiative's invitation document, with MCMC currently reviewing tender submissions to establish redundant, high-capacity routes linking the peninsula with East Malaysia.

"The project involves the development of a new, high-capacity and resilient domestic submarine cable system with diverse network routes and backup capabilities to enhance the resilience of the country’s communications infrastructure." Ministry of Communications written parliamentary reply

The written reply was issued in response to a query by Datuk Shahelmey Yahya regarding infrastructure progress in Sabah. MCMC will commence SALAM cable deployment in Q1 2027, targeting full operational completion by Q4 2029.

How Does Jendela Phase 2 Complement East Malaysia Connectivity?

Jendela Phase 2 begins rollout next month across 1,000 sites nationwide, with 352 designated specifically for Sabah to deliver immediate ground-level access ahead of the SALAM cable completion. The terrestrial rollout combines public 4G mobile services, blended 4G and 5G access, or satellite broadband, selected according to local geographic and infrastructure constraints across remote districts.

Within Sabah's 352 allocated sites, Kinabatangan receives the largest share at 106 sites, followed by Pensiangan with 55, Kota Marudu with 36, Kalabakan with 29, Kudat with 26, Tuaran with 23, and 15 each in Penampang and Ranau. The remaining sites are distributed across Sipitang (13), Kimanis (12), Sepanggar (six), Papar (five), Batu Sapi (four), Beaufort (three), Tawau (three), and Putatan (one). Further extensions, including additional coverage for Putatan, remain subject to priority assessments and funding availability. Jendela Phase 2 Group 1 deploys 352 connectivity sites across Sabah next month, led by 106 installations in Kinabatangan.

What It Means for Malaysian Users

Malaysian consumers and enterprises in Sabah and Sarawak will gain improved network redundancy and bandwidth stability once the SALAM cable links to Peninsular Malaysia by late 2029. In the interim, rural users in East Malaysia must rely on the incoming 352 Jendela 2 sites for improved cellular and satellite coverage starting next month, as physical subsea cable capacity additions remain more than two years away from breaking ground. The SALAM project will reinforce long-term bandwidth between East and West Malaysia, but tangible subsea capacity improvements will not arrive until late 2029.

Common Questions

What is the primary route for the SALAM cable?

The SALAM cable system is designed as a domestic undersea communications link connecting Peninsular Malaysia directly with Sabah and Sarawak to provide diverse backup routing.

When will Jendela Phase 2 implementation begin?

MCMC is preparing to roll out Group 1 of Jendela Phase 2 next month, covering 1,000 sites across Malaysia, including 352 locations in Sabah.

Which technologies will be used for Jendela 2 sites?

Sites under Jendela Phase 2 will deploy public 4G mobile coverage, a combination of 4G and 5G network services, or satellite broadband based on location suitability.

Sources and Methodology

Information sourced from a Ministry of Communications written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website, reported by The Edge Malaysia and Lowyat.NET on 14 October 2026. No foreign currency conversions were required as financial figures were not disclosed in the source text.