Deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching said those who fail to meet the deadline specified in their notices of approval could face measures such as liquidated damages, enforcement of performance bonds, and legal action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

According to Bernama, she said non-compliance notices were issued on Oct 28 to all Phase 1 and Phase 2 designated universal service providers who have yet to complete their assigned projects.

“The service providers were given extensions of one or two months until Dec 31 to finish their work,” she said when winding up debate on the supply bill for her ministry at the Dewan Negara today.

Teo said Phase 1 of Jendela is ongoing and as of Oct 31, a total of 1,385 tower structures have been completed out of 1,661 planned, but only 808 are operational.

She also said 603 Orang Asli villages have benefitted from 4G network coverage provided by operational towers.

“It is estimated that another 82 Orang Asli villages will gain 4G network coverage from towers currently under construction as part of Jendela Phase 1, expected to be completed in stages by the end of 2025,” she said.

Overall, 685 or 81% of the 843 recorded Orang Asli villages have or will have 4G coverage.