PUTRAJAYA (June 6): Malaysia plans to present at least 40 fifth-generation (5G) private network use cases in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, healthcare, and plantations, ahead of its Asean chairmanship in 2025.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo highlighted Malaysia's rapid 5G network roll-out, achieving over 80% coverage of populated areas within two years of launching 5G services.

“This ongoing effort to accelerate 5G adoption among various enterprises is crucial for Malaysia's digital transformation. It positions Malaysia as a 5G leader ahead of our Asean chairmanship in 2025, and strengthens our hold on digital-related investments and benefits in the region,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He noted that Malaysia’s 5G network had received numerous awards and recognitions from global internet analytics firms, such as OOKLA, Opensignal, and Glotel.

By the end of April, Malaysia had over 13 million 5G subscribers, equating to a 40% penetration rate.

“While consumers will benefit from faster speeds and improved mobile experiences through 5G, the technology's adoption by enterprises will be transformative. It will revolutionise business operations, collaboration, and innovation,” he said.

Gobind said that Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) is collaborating with the government, relevant ministries, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), telecommunications companies, and enterprises to promote 5G technology adoption across all Malaysian industries.

Currently, there are 12 enterprise projects involving 5G trials across various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, logistics, healthcare, and plantations.

“Beyond these initial trials, there is significant interest from enterprises across the country, as they embark on their digitalisation journey. Over 90 other projects and use cases are in various stages of development, with 30 expected to be operational by year end,” he said.

Gobind said that DNB aims to provide 5G networks to 237 major industrial parks nationwide, significantly enhancing productivity and attracting greater investment.

DNB is also partnering with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) to identify enterprises within industrial parks and economic zones to begin their 5G digitalisation journey.

As of April, 5G coverage had been established in 95 industrial parks across Malaysia, he said.