GEORGE TOWN, Aug 4 — Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia is on track to become the digital tiger of Asia as it approaches its golden digital decade.
He said the country is focusing on strengthening its 5G infrastructure, which is being supported by global leaders such as Ericsson, a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, who have set up its equipment manufacturing plant in Malaysia.
“Ericsson will also boost local manufacturing capabilities and nurture a strong ecosystem that will spur the development of new and innovative 5G cases and services.
“Across many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and many more, 5G will enhance connectivity, speed, and reliability for businesses and consumers alike,” he said in his speech read out by his deputy Teo Nie Ching at the inauguration of the Ericsson Global 5G equipment manufacturing facility here today.
Fahmi noted that the development of 5G infrastructure will form the backbone of a sustainable digital ecosystem that will further accelerate Malaysia’s transformation into an inclusive, digitally-enabled, and technology-driven high-income nation, as well as a regional lead in the digital economy.
He said Malaysia’s 5G network coverage is now at 64.7 per cent of populated areas, with 5,289 5G towers built nationwide as of June 30, 2023.
In Penang, the 5G network coverage reached 67.7 per cent of populated areas, meaning that it is ahead of the national average, with 290 out of 470 5G towers built.
“A report by Opensignal, a website specialising in mobile network performance measurement and analysis, stated that Malaysia has become a global leader in 5G connectivity with fast and reliable networks.
“Malaysia has also emerged on top in median 5G download speed across Asia Pacific markets according to the most recent report by Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and connectivity insights,” he said.
Fahmi said this shows that Malaysia is ready to move forward and fully embrace 5G, which will have a transformative impact on local businesses, while Malaysian consumers and enterprises will directly benefit from its increased speed, lower latency, and improved reliability.
Besides that, Malaysia’s plan to accelerate the deployment of 5G encourages efficient infrastructure-sharing and will also improve power consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
“I strongly believe that initiatives like this will further support and firmly position Malaysia as the heart of Digital ASEAN.
“This will inspire and encourage more industry players to continue leveraging Malaysia to expand their footprint in this region,” he added.
