CYBERJAYA: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is hoping to complete the assessment on Huawei 5G network within this year for the government to decide whether to allow Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd to build its infrastructure in Malaysia.
Its chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said the ongoing assessment is being led by National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and supported by MCMC.
“There's no specific timeline given. It will involve internal assessment, inter-governmental assessment, as well as multiple discussions.
“Although this will involve a lot of work, we definitely look forward to making this assessment ready this year,” he told the media after presenting the Network Performance Report here today.
He was commenting on Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo's statement today that the government was waiting for an official report from MCMC before making any decision on Huawei's 5G infrastructure.
This comes following allegations of cyber-espionage by some Western countries. United States and Canada have so far banned Huawei from building its 5G network infrastructure.
Previously, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad reportedly said the government would conduct a study before making a decision on Huawei's participation in building 5G infrastructure in Malaysia.
Al-Ishsal said when the assessment has been completed, the MCMC would be on the forefront if there were any steps needed to be taken.
“As of now, we are not banning Huawei, but we will speak with the government to advise them on the assessment.” he added.