[UPDATED] Nearly 30% of Malaysians have adopted the use of the 5G network: Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR – More than 10 million people in Malaysia have adopted the use of the 5G network as of last month, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

The current adoption rate of 5G stands at 29.9%, which equates to approximately 10.07 million subscribers as of January 31, 2024, he added.

“This is an increase of 17.4% from November last year based on Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) figures.

“In November 2023, we saw a take-up or adoption rate of about 12.5% and we reached an incredible 29.9 % in January,” he said in his speech at the Maxis 5G-Advanced trial showcase event in KLCC Esplanade, here today.

Also present at the event were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Maxis chief executive officer Goh Seow Eng.

The 5G-Advanced, or 5.5G, promises up to a 10-fold improvement in speed, connected devices, and latency compared with 5G.

Fahmi also said the government will further explore ways to facilitate increased industry adoption of both 5G and 5G Advanced in due time.

He noted that smaller businesses might face challenges when trying to transition to 5G; therefore, the government is open to discussing the needs and issues of businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises.

“I see that the use of this technology requires new business models as well as assistance from the government for adoption.

“We (the government) have yet to discuss ways to provide assistance, but we are ready to engage with the industry, listen to their needs and requirements, and collaboratively formulate a plan from there,” he added.

He also hoped to narrow the gap between major players and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and that the outcome of the discussion could be presented to the Finance Ministry for consideration in the 2025 Budget.

“I think it’s very important, especially with the New Industrial Master Plan, where digitalisation is one of the key points.

“Prioritising the adoption of 5G is essential to enhance the complexity of our industries, consequently enabling the production of more affordable, superior, and desirable goods for the global market,” he said.

Fahmi commended local telecommunications companies for waiving the 5G service charge, which facilitated a faster rollout of the service to the people.

He also announced that, in addition to today’s showcase, the Maxis 5G-Advanced trial will also be featured at the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC 2024), which will be held in Barcelona, Spain, from February 26 to 29, where the country’s 5G achievements will be shared.

Maxis is one of the leading Malaysian companies that will be presenting the nation at MWC 2024, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event.

Fahmi said Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to showcase 5G-Advanced.

The MWC 2024 is the largest annual gathering of the telecommunications industry, organised by the international body, the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA). More than 100,000 telecommunications industry players are expected to turn up. – February 22, 2024