SHAH ALAM, Dec 18 — The first phase of Selangor’s state-owned dark fibre network will start in Cyberjaya, the starting point of a long-term plan to build the state’s 889km digital backbone to support data centres, high-speed connectivity, and future digital growth.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the 40km Cyberjaya stretch represents the introduction of the Selangor Dark Fibre Masterplan under the 2026 Selangor Budget, with works already underway ahead of the intended 2026 start date.
He explained that 4km of the first phase, which has a six-month timeframe, is already done.
Amirudin added that the entire network could take up to three years to complete, subject to implementation and funding approvals.
“When it is completed, this will be the start of what we call the Selangor Dark Fibre Network, which I announced when tabling the state budget. This initial stage, we are starting in Cyberjaya,” he said at a press conference after the launch of the Cyberjaya Fibreisation Project and Business Alliance Framework (BAF) signing ceremony at Concorde Hotel here today.
Those present at the ceremony included Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) (MBI) group chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M. Yusop, Smartsel Sdn Bhd acting managing director Ritzwan Rosli Modh Rosli, OCK Group Bhd non-executive chairman Datuk Syed Norulzaman Syed Kamarulzaman, and OCK managing director Datuk Sam Ooi Chin Khoon.
Amirudin said the dark fibre network is critical for the future, and is the backbone of Selangor’s smart state ambitions by ensuring reliable speed and bandwidth for residents, businesses and investors.
“The most important thing is the backbone, which is fibreisation… strong digital infrastructure is essential to attract high-value investments, create quality jobs and support the state’s long-term economic competitiveness,” he said.
Amirudin said Cyberjaya was chosen as the starting point due to its strategic role as a hub for data centres and communications-related industries heavily dependent on speed and connectivity.
As part of the implementation, Smartsel has entered into a BAF with OCK, as well as a memorandum of agreement with OCK subsidiary OCK Datawave Sdn Bhd, for the development, operation and maintenance of optical fibre infrastructure in Cyberjaya.
After Cyberjaya is Shah Alam, Amirudin said, where about 178km more fibre will be laid, and added that the state government is open to working with more partners in future phases.
“For the whole of Selangor, what we estimated in the budget is for about 889km,” he said.
Amirudin also said Selangor has the potential to connect to global networks, including possible undersea cable landing points, which could strengthen the state’s position as a regional digital hub.
When asked about the total investment needed to expand the network across the state, he said it ranges between RM500 million and RM800 million, depending on implementation and funding support.
He said the state administration has received support from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and highlighted that Selangor is the first in the country to retain ownership of its dark fibre network.
On November 14, when tabling the state budget, Amirudin said the state government will roll out its Dark Fibre Masterplan with an initial RM1 million allocation to boost internet speeds, widen digital access, and generate revenue by installing fibre optic lines at an estimated cost of RM267 million, with a projected five-year return of RM196 million.
