How tower fire and equipment failures left Sungai Perak and Tioman disconnected

SHAH ALAM - A telecommunications tower in Sungai Perak and ongoing service interruptions in Tioman have left residents facing connectivity issues.

The incidents have affected mobile phone calls, internet access and essential communication services in these areas.

In Sungai Perak, the blaze at a telecommunication tower disrupted services for multiple providers, impacting nearby villages and even the North–South Expressway (Plus) rest and service area.

Meanwhile, Tioman has experienced more than 10 days of service outages, caused allegedly by equipment failures and logistical challenges, leaving the island largely cut off from reliable mobile communications.

What happened in Sungai Perak?

On Saturday, Dec 28, a telecommunications tower at the Sungai Perak substation in Kampung Kelebor, Kuala Kangsar, caught fire. Flames from the blaze were reportedly visible from the North–South Expressway (Plus).

The Perak Fire and Rescue Department said the emergency call came in at 6.36pm. Firemen faced delays because the provided address was inaccurate and the area is deep within a forest and oil palm plantation.

"A telecommunications tower was reported to be on fire and the blaze could be seen from the North–South Expressway. Firemen who were dispatched to the scene found that the address provided was inaccurate and became stuck in traffic congestion on the highway," he said.

They needed a four-wheel-drive vehicle to access the site. By the time they arrived, the fire had already been extinguished with help from the landowner using fire extinguishers and stored water.

No injuries were reported, but part of the tower and several communication panels were damaged.

"We are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and are currently in the process of restoring affected services in the area," he added.

The fire affected services for mobile users in nearby villages, including Kampung Kelebor, Kampung Langkap Ketior, Kampung Rambai 7, Kampung Menora, Kampung Senggang, Kampung Ulu Kenas and Kampung Lempor. Even the Sungai Perak rest and service area (R&R) along the Plus was affected.

How are authorities responding?

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating the cause of the fire and has closed access to the site to allow further checks. Service providers have been instructed to implement corrective actions and comprehensive recovery plans.

"MCMC has also directed service providers to implement immediate corrective actions, including the preparation of a comprehensive recovery plan, to address the coverage disruption," Bernama reported it as saying in a statement.

As a temporary measure, Starlink satellite WiFi has been activated at the Sungai Perak R&R to ensure travelers along the Plus still have access to communication services.

MCMC has also directed providers to strengthen maintenance, inspections, and monitoring at all towers to prevent future incidents.

Separately, Tioman Island has experienced more than 10 days of cellular interruptions, affecting residents and visitors.

The disruption is due to equipment failures and logistical challenges in restoring services to the island.

Authorities and service providers are working to fix the problem, but residents are still facing limited connectivity.