KUANTAN, Feb 11 — Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has appointed Maxis Bhd (Maxis) as the 4G and 5G mobile network infrastructure provider along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) route, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced.
He said the move would optimise infrastructure usage while allowing service providers to focus on enhancing user experience and service quality.
“This collaboration marks another significant step in the government’s efforts to build the nation’s digital future, in tandem with large-scale physical infrastructure development, particularly high-impact projects such as the ECRL.”
Fahmi said this at the officiation for the arrival of Malaysia’s first electric multiple unit (EMU) trains and electric locomotives (E-Loco) for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, at the KotaSAS station here today.
Also present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan, and Pahang executive councillor for public works, transport and health Datuk Razali Kassim.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will adopt a collaborative approach involving the country’s five major mobile network operators based on infrastructure-sharing principles.
“The initiative aligns with the government’s policy of ‘Where There Is a Road, There Is Internet’ aimed at ensuring connectivity along roads, highways and key transport corridors, including the ECRL route,” he said.
He also noted that a Multi-Operator Core Network will be introduced and shared with other service providers such as CelcomDigi, Telekom Malaysia and YTL.
The integrated approach, he said, is expected to benefit ECRL passengers and strengthen network coverage along the corridor, including urban centres, transit-oriented developments, suburban and rural areas.
“Upon completion of the network infrastructure, Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile, YTL, and Telekom Malaysia will be able to provide 4G and 5G services to ECRL passengers in compliance with the Mandatory Standards on Quality of Service (MSQoS),” Fahmi added.
