PERAK, MALAYSIA December 28, 2025 – A blaze at a telecommunications tower in Kampung Kelebor has left residents and highway users in northern Perak grappling with disrupted mobile and internet services, according to an official statement from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The fire broke out on December 27, 2025, around 6:50 p.m., engulfing a Maxis-owned tower that houses equipment for CelcomDigi and Maxis. The incident has also impacted UMobile users, with coverage severely affected in several nearby villages, including Kampung Kelebor, Kampung Langkap Ketior, Kampung Rambai 7, Kampung Menora, Kampung Senggang, Kampung Ulu Kenas, and Kampung Lempor. Additionally, services at the Sungai Perak Rest and Recreation (R&R) area along the North-South Highway (PLUS) have been compromised, potentially affecting travelers during the busy holiday season.
Authorities have sealed off the site to allow the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time. Photos from the scene show flames shooting up the structure amid surrounding greenery, highlighting the intensity of the incident.
In response, MCMC has ordered the affected service providers to launch immediate recovery efforts, including a comprehensive restoration plan to minimize downtime. As an emergency workaround, the commission has activated Starlink satellite WiFi at the northbound Sungai Perak R&R to ensure motorists retain access to essential communications.
“MCMC is committed to swift resolution and has directed tower owners and providers to enhance ongoing maintenance, technical inspections, and monitoring across all sites,” the statement emphasized, underscoring the need for network reliability and user safety in line with national standards.
Residents in the impacted areas are advised to use alternative communication methods where possible, such as fixed-line services or nearby unaffected networks. Service providers have not yet announced a timeline for full restoration, but updates are expected as investigations progress.
This incident comes amid growing concerns over infrastructure vulnerabilities in rural areas, where telecom towers often serve as critical lifelines for communities.
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