PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister has issued a mid-December deadline for resolving delays in two key national digital initiatives: the MyDigital ID programme and the rollout of the dual 5G network, says Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed concern over the slow progress of MyDigital ID, with only 1.319 million registrations as of 1pm on Dec 5.
"The Prime Minister feels this figure is still too low and has emphasised the need to intensify efforts," Fahmi said during the ministry’s weekly press briefing here on Friday (Dec 6).
He added that a two-week period was granted from the last National Digital Economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution Council meeting for stakeholders to address the underlying issues and formulate strategies to boost registration numbers.
On the dual 5G network initiative, Fahmi said delays stemmed from outstanding agreements between Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and telecommunications companies.
This holdup, he said, impacted the tender process for the second network, which is restricted to telcos that have signed shareholding agreements.
He said DNB has also been tasked with submitting an updated business plan to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for review, including plans for additional spectrum allocation.
"While DNB requested an extension until January, the Prime Minister has insisted this process must be completed within the current month," he said.
Fahmi said U Mobile had already presented its business plan earlier this week, and DNB is expected to follow suit by next week.
"The Prime Minister feels these issues should be addressed with greater urgency," Fahmi said, highlighting the importance of moving both initiatives forward promptly.
Fahmi said the Prime Minister also apologised to attendees during the meeting, describing his dissatisfaction with the delays as "very out of character" and reiterated the need for swift progress on these critical initiatives.
On Thursday (Dec 5), Anwar expressed disappointment over the delays, describing it as negligent and a hindrance to the nation’s efforts in realising its digital transformation agenda.
