5G: Comms and Digital Ministry to meet Finance Ministry over rollout, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has continued with the development of 5G involving a total of 2,715 of infrastructure works as of Oct 31, says the Communications and Digital Minister.

Fahmi Fadzil said that the percentage of the infrastructure completed accounted for 36% of the total population coverage in Malaysia, adding that it included Sabah and Sarawak.

He also added that following the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (Dec 7) morning, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had told his ministry and Finance Ministry to evaluate the 5G country’s rolling out efforts under DNB.

"A meeting between Finance Ministry and Communications and Digital Ministry will be held soon to study, evaluate and exchange opinions on the measures that can be implemented on the rollout of 5G," he told the reporters on Wednesday (Dec 7) here.

Fahmi said he expected that the matter would conclude within the next few weeks, adding no further postponement should take place.

"The concerns were valid, especially about the lateness of the rollout and at the same time we’re worried of the cost and other concerns related to that but it would be premature for me to say more on this matter.

"Suffice it to say that we are starting the process today and we will look into this matter very quickly and very seriously which is not only technical but also legal," he added.