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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is optimistic about Malaysia’s prospects of becoming a global leader in 5G technology, fueled by continued investment and collaboration with a multinational networking and telecommunications company. Anwar recently convened with the company delegation headed by the group’s president and CEO, to discuss the ongoing implementation of Malaysia’s 5G network.
Expressing his vision for the future, Anwar emphasised the potential of strategic cooperation and expertise-sharing with the company to enhance the capabilities of Malaysia’s burgeoning 5G infrastructure.
Following the successful rollout of 5G in Malaysia, he welcomed investments and collaborative efforts aimed at expanding the network’s reach across all sectors, Anwar remarked in a statement today. He pointed out the importance of such partnerships in driving the widespread adoption of 5G technology and propelling Malaysia’s digital economy forward.
In 2021, Malaysia initiated the Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) plan, wherein a state-owned entity took control of the entire 5G spectrum, initially partnering with the multinational networking and telecommunications company for deployment. This approach faced scrutiny due to concerns over monopolisation, prompting the government to mandate telecommunications firms to acquire stakes in DNB.
As DNB exceeded its target of achieving 80% 5G coverage in populated areas by December, and further expanded to 81.5% by April, telecommunications companies are now competing to develop a second 5G network. This move has sparked debate among opposition MPs over potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, the government’s commitment to introducing additional 5G service providers epitomises Malaysia’s determination to balance innovation and competition in its telecom sector.
Significant internet coverage advancements have been seen in the first quarter of the year. This achievement underscores Malaysia’s efforts to close the digital divide and ensure widespread access to reliable, high-speed internet in underserved and remote areas.
Strides in enhancing the 5G network, particularly in Seremban and Port Dickson districts, with 225 out of 233 sites ready, highlight Malaysia’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure and fostering inclusive economic growth.
With domestic and international support and Malaysia’s strategic initiatives, the nation is poised to capitalise on 5G technology, paving the way for enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and digital transformation across the country across a variety of sectors, including healthcare.
OpenGov Asia reported that Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil sees the integration of 5G technology into healthcare as a transformative step for patient care and medical education. Following his visit to Norway’s Radium Hospital, where advanced 5G solutions were showcased, Fahmi underscored the potential for innovations in patient monitoring, faster access to medical data, and enhanced capabilities for medical education through technologies like IoT and AI.
He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in deploying these technologies effectively, aiming to bring healthcare directly to patients and reduce reliance on traditional healthcare delivery models.
In parallel, Fahmi stressed the strategic importance of leveraging 5G to enhance healthcare outcomes across Malaysia. He intends to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health to explore initiatives such as remote-assisted surgery in teaching hospitals, which could significantly advance medical practices and education. Fahmi’s vision aligns with Malaysia’s broader goal of harnessing digital advancements to improve healthcare accessibility and quality nationwide.
Additionally, stakeholders, including telecom companies, emphasised the significance of 5G in enhancing public sector efficiency, particularly in healthcare settings. They highlighted the need for robust regulatory frameworks and collaborative efforts to fully realise 5G’s potential in reducing costs and improving data security within healthcare operations.
As Malaysia expands its 5G infrastructure, both public and private sectors are optimistic about its potential to advance citizen service delivery and support national growth, contributing to comprehensive national advancement efforts across the nation.
