THE country’s 5G network has reached 62.1% coverage in populated areas as of May 31, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said this marked a 2.6% increase from the 59.5% coverage recorded in April. 

“The government aims to ensure that by the end of this year, we will reach the 80% coverage target,” he said, adding that all mobile network operators (MNOs) in the country have committed to achieving the objective.

In his keynote address at the Invest Malaysia Series 2 conference in Kuala Lumpur today, Fahmi said MNOs are committed to the 5G rollout and have been partaking in discussions through a task force set up last month.

“What will be of particular interest to all is the shift to the dual wholesale network, which will be spearheaded by private entities,” he said.

The minister said private-public cooperation is important, adding that the nation’s approach to digital economy development focuses on outcomes that benefit the people, businesses and government.

“This includes ensuring a 30% improvement in productivity and increased adoption of e-commerce among micro, small and medium entrepreneurs,” he said.

Fahmi said the digital economy is expected to contribute to 25.5% of the country’s gross domestic product by 2025 and create 500,000 jobs.

Themed “Digital Malaysia: Tomorrow’s Infrastructure, Today”, the conference seeks to provide deeper insights into Malaysia’s reimagined 5G model while emphasising the importance of private sector participation and partnership. – Bernama, June 7, 2023.