MCMC to evaluate deployment of second 5G network

Gobind: Malaysia has incurred a loss of about RM3.18bil from year 2021 to April 2024 due to online scams.

PETALING JAYA: The tender process for the deployment of Malaysia’s second 5G network has concluded and evaluation is currently underway, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

According to Gobind, the tender process had closed on July 31, 2024, and is being evaluated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

“The decision will be made as soon as possible. I was told that it would be announced very soon by (Communications Minister) Fahmi Fadzil,” he told a press conference after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Axiata Group Bhd with CyberSecurity Malaysia and Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) here, yesterday.

CelcomDigi Bhd submitted its proposal on July 31, 2024, aimed at deploying the country’s second 5G network.

The proposal outlined a strategy to construct a sophisticated 5G network and expedite its uptake by businesses and consumers.

CelcomDigi said that by year-end, more than two-thirds of the company’s network will be modernised, making it the largest and most advanced digital network in the country.

It said the 18,000-site robust 5G-ready network is prepared to facilitate the swift rollout of 5G and 5G-Advanced technology across its wide footprint, and is ready to be commissioned as one of the largest advanced 5G networks in the region.

Separately, Gobind stated that the government is currently looking into formulating a policy on quantum technology as a move to strengthen personal data protection.

He stated that the ministry is looking at the data holistically as to improve cyberinfrastructure’s resilience and thus preparing the nation to face the new technology.

“We will come up with something hopefully by the end of this year, but currently works are in progress,” he added.

Gobind expressed hope that the Cyber Security Act, which was gazetted on June 26, will be enforced by the end of this month.

This was in response to the constantly increasing numbers of cyber threats, both locally and internationally.

He said that between 2021 and April 2024, a total of 95,837 reported cases in the country have incurred losses amounting to RM3.18bil due to online scams.

“It is also likely that the figures could be higher as many victims may not have reported to the authorities for various reasons.

“But it is imperative that we crack down on cybercrime and protect Malaysia from the cyber adversaries who are out to inflict damage for profit or political gain,” he said.

He further stated that the enforcement of the Act is necessary to allow Malaysia to further step up national cybersecurity preparedness and increase cyber security defence, particularly in building cyber resilience.

“I think at the end of the day, it is important to note that it sends a very clear signal, not just here in our country and our region but also across the globe, that we are serious about cybersecurity,” he added.

Two separate MoUs were inked between Axiata, CyberSecurity Malaysia and MDEC to jointly cooperate on cybersecurity and enhance the nation’s digital resilience.

Under the MoUs, the three parties will promote digital transformation, innovation in cybersecurity and resource sharing to identify cyber threats and collaborate to promote the development of international norms and standards in cybersecurity.

Among the areas of cybersecurity collaborations will include joint consultations and cyber risk assessments; capacity building; threat intelligence; commercialisation support, networking, and industry exposure; as well as talent development and digital talent incubation.