THE Penang government has started a pilot test to develop 5G broadband spectrum infrastructure at three locations in George Town. 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the project is being implemented to test the readiness of local and state authorities in receiving 5G services as well as the provision of the necessary infrastructure. 

“Telecommunication facilities are an important component… There are engagement sessions with the federal government and the agencies that will implement 5G in Penang and nationwide.

“However, due to uncertainty about which company will operate (the) 5G (network), Penang has started pilot tests at three locations in George Town,” he said when replying to an oral question from Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lanchang) at the assembly today.

Chow said one of the main factors for existing companies to continue investing and new investors to choose Penang as their investment destination was due to the availability of the rapidly growing infrastructure in the state.

Among the infrastructure referred to are roads, electricity and water supply, sewerage treatment plants and telecommunications in the old industrial areas that are constantly being upgraded and maintained well from time to time by relevant agencies. 

Meanwhile, to a supplementary question from opposition leader Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor (BN-Sg Dua) ​​on Penang’s readiness to face challenges after the construction of the Kulim International Airport (KXP), Chow said Penang had applied to the Transport Ministry for the expansion of the Penang International Airport (LTAPP). 

He said that he was informed that the implementation of the KXP and LTAPP projects would have to wait for the National Airport Strategic Plan study to be completed.

“This LTAPP expansion project will help increase the competitiveness of the airport but both applications for the KXP construction project and the LTAPP expansion will need to be approved by the MOT (Transport Ministry),” he said.

However, Chow explained that if industry in the region is growing rapidly, then the need for the KXP needs to be considered. – Bernama, May 30, 2022.