Jangkau Digital TM reimagines Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman as Malaysia's first smart eco-village, driving rural digital inclusion and nation-building

The Star

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) has identified Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman as the first village for its inaugural Jangkau Digital programme, reimagining the small coastal settlement as a Smart Eco-Village that blends digital connectivity, economic empowerment, education and environmental stewardship.
The initiative is aligned with the Government's call for organisations to contribute in uplifting rural communities through sustainable and inclusive development.
Home to just over 100 residents, Kampung Mukut is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, serene waterfall and the towering Dragon Horns of Tioman.
Its remoteness has also meant limited access to connectivity and public infrastructure, challenges that Jangkau Digital seeks to address while preserving the village's unique culture and biodiversity.
The programme in Mukut was officially launched by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during his recent visit to the village.
Amar explaining TM's key community and sustainability initiatives in Kampung Mukut as part of the Jangkau Digital TM programme to Al-Sultan Abdullah.
TM's managing director and group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris said, 'Jangkau Digital TM is about building the right foundations for communities to thrive, from expanding digital access, to unlocking new economic opportunities, nurturing future-ready talent and safeguarding the environment.
'It reflects our role as a nation builder, ensuring that even the most remote communities are part of Malaysia's digital future.
'In Mukut, we are working closely with the community and the Tioman Development Authority as our strategic partner to demonstrate that rural and island villages can progress sustainably, while preserving the heritage and natural beauty that make them unique.'
The transformation begins with robust digital infrastructure across Pulau Tioman. The 75km submarine cable from Kuala Rompin that was deployed by TM, forms the backbone that connects the entire island to Malaysia's national digital network, effectively bringing the world to Tioman and Tioman to the world.
This is followed by the rollout of high-speed fibre broadband and expanded mobile coverage that now reaches all key settlements and tourism hotspots. This upgrade ensures that residents, businesses and visitors across Tioman enjoy stable, high-quality internet access, a critical enabler for economic activity, education and tourism.
In Kampung Mukut, this connectivity has been further strengthened with the installation of outdoor WiFi spanning the village from the jetty and school to the mosque, eateries, homestays, and along scenic trails, enabling tourists to navigate, locals to run online businesses and students to participate in virtual learning without interruption.
Complementing this, TM's Vision AI CCTV systems have also been deployed at strategic points to improve public safety, manage visitor flows and support responsible tourism in line with Mukut's ecotourism appeal.
With strong digital connectivity as the foundation, entrepreneurs in Mukut are now better positioned to tap into the digital economy. Tourism operators, guesthouses, and boat service providers have been onboarded to visitmukut.com – a community-managed tourism portal powered by TM and enhanced with AI to deliver an end-to-end experience, from discovering Mukut's natural beauty to booking and engaging with local operators. This is integrated with the Unifi Business Go Bookit app for seamless visitor experiences.
This transition to online visibility is strengthening business resilience, particularly for operators who once depended solely on walk-in visitors. To support this shift, TM will conduct targeted training sessions to equip local MSMEs with skills in booking management, social media promotion and digital content creation, with additional support extended to B40 entrepreneurs via the Sejahtera Madani programme.
By building these capabilities, TM aims to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more broadly across the community, while positioning Mukut as a destination that is digitally accessible.
The Jangkau Digital TM also brings the TM Future Skills (TMFS) to SK Mukut as the Champion School. SK Mukut is now linked to SMK Tekek, Tioman's 'nucleus' digital hub school, enabling resource-sharing and access to advanced digital tools. Through this collaboration, students are exposed to coding, robotics, 3D printing and AI learning modules – subjects that previously seemed out of reach in rural settings. Teachers in Mukut also benefit from training programmes that help them integrate STEM content into lessons and maximise the use of digital tools.
Beyond the classroom, TM is investing in capability building for the community's core sporting tradition - sailing. Efforts include upgrading essential infrastructure such as dedicated walkway and slipway to provide safe and convenient access to the waterfront.
The Group also goes the extra mile by providing a comprehensive coach training and talent development programme and providing official sports attire for the school's sailing team. These initiatives are designed to inspire the students, enhance competitive readiness, and cultivate a new generation of talent capable of competing at the highest levels. This integrated approach ensures that Mukut's youth can excel both in academics and in sports, proving that rural communities can nurture future champions on multiple fronts.
In preserving Mukut's charm, TM is embedding environmental stewardship into every aspect of development. The village's coral reefs, rainforest trails, and marine biodiversity are recognised as irreplaceable assets and planned coral protection and trail conservation programmes will ensure these remain intact for future generations.
TM's sustainability commitment extends to the seabed where the presence of submarine cables naturally fosters the formation of artificial reefs, providing vital habitats for marine life and cultivating a long-term biodiversity ecosystem.
To further support eco-tourism safety, TM is enhancing measures to ensure the safety of both tour guides and hikers on treks to the Dragon Horns including providing GPS trackers and other digital solutions, helping Mukut maintain its reputation as a safe, well-managed destination for adventure tourism.
By combining digital technology with environmental care, Jangkau Digital TM reinforces the idea that progress in rural communities can go hand in hand with sustainability.