ONLY about seven million out of 45 million mobile user accounts in Malaysia are equipped with 5G-ready devices, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said this deprived them of using and enjoying the 5G network even though it was already available in their areas.

“That’s why programmes such as 5G Rahmah would be helpful, particularly for the B40 group, to purchase 5G devices so they can use the 5G (network),” he told reporters after attending the launch of Petronas’ first commercial 5G private network today, officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof.

The 5G Rahmah package, launched in August by Fahmi, is available to all Malaysians until December this year. It offers a device bundle data plan for a smartphone priced at no more than RM240, along with a postpaid plan as low as RM60 per month with a minimum of 60GB of data.

On extra fees for 5G subscriptions, Fahmi said his ministry would discuss the issue with mobile network operators (MNOs).

“The prime minister and investment, trade and industry minister have also raised the issue. My deputy secretary-general has engaged with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and MNOs on this and I believe within the next few weeks, there will be some updates on this matter,” he said.

Fahmi said his ministry was looking into suggestions for MNOs to implement an opt-out approach instead of an opt-in for consumers transitioning to 5G.

Earlier, Fadillah said as of September, Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stood at 70.2%, with 5G subscriptions totalling 2.49 million, translating to a 7.4% penetration rate. – Bernama, October 6, 2023.