More needs to be done with 5G to attract foreign investment, says Anwar Ibrahim

The ongoing settlement agreement between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) and Malaysia's five private telecommunications companies (telcos) could be resolved by next week, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reportedly said. 

Meanwhile, communications minister Fahmi Fadzil reportedly told reporters that several significant and major announcements regarding the 5G network are expected to be made by the end of this month or early May. 

Don't miss: Malaysia ranked number one globally for 5G consistency 

Fahmi reportedly said that he was scheduled to meet with the prime minister to discuss measures to ensure a better adoption rate of 5G services. 

The meeting would involve investment, trade and industry minister Zafrul Abdul Aziz, digital minister Gobind Singh Deo and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, Fahmi reportedly added. 

The communications minister reportedly added that much needs to be done regarding 5G services to continue positioning Malaysia as a prime destination for foreign investment, whether in the semiconductor sector or data processing sector. 

According to CNA, DNB and the five telcos had been unable to reach a compromise after more than four months of negotiations.

In response, DNB released a statement, rejecting accusations of operational non-transparency. 

"DNB strongly denies these allegations and rejects the insinuation of any impropriety in our governance and procurement practices. DNB’s tender and procurement processes are structured according to the strictest governance standards and best practices," said DNB in the statement. 

"DNB has always been open and transparent in its awarding of tenders and contracts – this matter has been addressed in detail various times in Parliament and reported in the media, repeatedly disproving the allegations." 

The company added that it remains focused on continuing to deliver reliable 5G networks on an accelerated basis and within cost, and on increasing 5G adoption across the country. 

Malaysia's plans to implement 5G nationwide has been in motion for over a year now. In January 2023, the communications and digital ministry shared plans to implement 5G nationwide by March 2023. 

In an interview with Bernama, Fahmi reportedly said that DNB was doing its research on all available options to make sure the implementation will achieve over 80 per cent success and that it will be able to be expanded nationwide. 

In December 2023, it was reported that the telcos were set to agree on a deal with the government. 

Photo courtesy of Anwar Ibrahim (Facebook)

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