Through this partnership, U Mobile and SACOFA will accelerate 5G deployment in Sarawak, ensuring that the state will complete its rollout before the telco’s nationwide target of 80% CoPA by the second half of 2026
KUCHING, 11 SEPTEMBER 2025 – U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, has partnered with SACOFA Sdn Bhd, the leading telecommunications infrastructure provider in Sarawak, as its strategic fibre backhaul partner to accelerate the rollout of its next generation 5G network, enabling expansion of the telco’s ULTRA5G experience. This collaboration marks another significant milestone in U Mobile’s mission to deliver the widest and deepest coverage in Malaysia, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the state’s digital transformation agenda and achieving nationwide 80% Coverage of Populated Areas (CoPA) by the second half of 2026.
Through this appointment, SACOFA will provide fibre leased line access to U Mobile’s 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) sites, enabling high-capacity backhaul connectivity to regional Points of Interconnect (POIs). This infrastructure is crucial to delivering reliable, low-latency 5G services to both consumers and enterprises across the state. With SACOFA’s fibre network spanning over 11,000 kilometres statewide, U Mobile is set to deliver on its coverage and performance goals.
“U Mobile is pleased to appoint SACOFA as our fibre backhaul partner for the rollout of our next generation 5G network in Sarawak. This partnership is a key enabler in our drive to deliver our ULTRA5G experience, empowering consumers and enterprises in the state to harness cutting-edge technologies and thrive in the digital economy. By leveraging SACOFA’s extensive fibre infrastructure, we will work together to ensure that Sarawak becomes one of the earliest states to complete 5G deployment. This collaboration also supports the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which envisions a dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem for the state,” said Wong Heang Tuck, CEO of U Mobile.
“The alliance between SACOFA & U Mobile strongly aligns with the Sarawak Government’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which identifies digital transformation as one of the six key economic enablers. The strategy highlights the importance of modernising various sectors and enhancing productivity through technology. Today’s collaboration reflects this vision in action, using 5G as a catalyst for enterprise growth, service innovation, and industry advancement,” stated YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication for Sarawak and Chairman of SACOFA.
“This strategic partnership marks another important milestone for SACOFA and represents a crucial step forward for Sarawak. Through the investment in 5G infrastructure and collaboration with U Mobile, SACOFA aims to deliver faster and more reliable connections to local businesses and communities. SACOFA is committed to meeting expectations and supporting the objectives of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 and the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 by delivering seamless and reliable 5G backhaul services on its network. Our goal is to ensure the success of this development for all stakeholders,” said Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, Managing Director of SACOFA.
The 10-year partnership agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony held at SACOFA’s corporate headquarters in Kuching. It was signed by Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman B Abdul Taib, SACOFA’s Managing Director, and Wong Heang Tuck, U Mobile’s CEO, witnessed by YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak and Chairman of SACOFA. Also in attendance were YB Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (Telecommunication), and Dato’ Mat Hassan bin Esa, Director of SACOFA.
