KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must expedite its 5G coverage nationwide given that 58 countries worldwide have already done so, Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan (BN - Pontian) said.
Of the 58 nations which include Malaysia's neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore, Ahmad pointed out that 1,662 cities around the world have gained access to 5G coverage.
"But, my mobile phone is still (on) 4G. So, what are the government's plans to expedite the 5G service in Malaysia so that the creative and digital industries won't be left behind?" he asked in the Dewan Rakyat today.
In response, Communications and Multimedia deputy minister Datuk Zahidi Zainal Abidin said the government is currently ramping up efforts to provide 5G coverage across the country.
However, he said at the moment, the focus would first be on big cities in the country before the coverage could reach rural areas.
"We realise that Malaysia is slightly left behind in terms of 5G coverage and because of that, the Finance Ministry is making efforts by establishing a company called Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) who will be responsible for the country's 5G service.
"As for the 4G service, this responsibility lies with the existing telco companies and we are planning on shutting down the 3G service.
"So this effort by the Finance Ministry will first focus on the big cities, not villages. This will take some time and we are aware of this situation, which is why we do want to expedite it," he said.