IPOH, December 29 — Telecommunications services for CelcomDigi, Maxis and Unifi Mobile users were disrupted after a fire broke out at a Maxis-owned telecommunications tower in Kampung Kelebor near Kuala Kangsar on Saturday evening.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the incident, which occurred at about 6.50pm, involved transmitter equipment serving both Maxis and CelcomDigi, affecting several surrounding villages as well as coverage at the Sungai Perak Rest and Service Area (R&R) along the North-South Expressway.
MCMC said the cause of the fire is still under investigation and access to the site has been restricted to allow the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) and other authorities to conduct further checks.
The commission has directed affected service providers to take immediate corrective measures and prepare a comprehensive recovery plan to restore coverage, while also stepping up maintenance and monitoring at other telecommunications towers.
As an interim measure, MCMC activated temporary Starlink satellite WiFi facilities at the Sungai Perak R&R (northbound) to ensure continued connectivity for highway users.
Perak JBPM acting assistant director of operations Shazlean Mohd Hanafiah said firefighters from the Kuala Kangsar station were dispatched following an emergency call, with the blaze eventually brought under control with assistance from the landowner.
