PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia’s 5G network coverage has reached 73 per cent of populated areas, announced Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. This significant milestone marks progress towards the country’s digital connectivity goals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is on track to achieve its target of 80 per cent coverage by the end of the year. However, he acknowledged that there are challenges to overcome, with only seven per cent remaining to meet the target. Among the issues raised by DNB were land-related matters, which require coordination with local authorities.

To address these pending issues, Fahmi informed that he had requested Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din to convene a meeting with relevant parties. “This is so that all parties understand that 5G is a national initiative and a joint effort to accelerate progress and development in the country,” he stated during a press briefing following his ministry’s monthly assembly.

DNB, established in 2021, plays a crucial role in advancing Malaysia’s digital infrastructure. It operates in alignment with the Malaysian Digital Economy Action Plan (MyDIGITAL), focusing on accelerating the implementation of 5G infrastructure and networks and harnessing the potential of 5G to stimulate economic activities in Malaysia.

As of September 2023, Fahmi revealed that the adoption rate of 5G in Malaysia was 9.1 per cent, an increase from the previous 7.4 per cent. He emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of 5G, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises, to fully realize its potential. “We have to make sure that the government’s effort to create this data highway is utilized as best as possible not only by large companies but also by mid-sized ones,” he added.

Fahmi also shared insights from his visit to a DHL warehouse center that utilized 5G for robotics and drone services. He highlighted that with 5G technology, the company could count nearly 8,000 pellets per day, compared to the 1,000 pellets it could count manually per day.