KOTA BARU – The policy on the implementation of the 5G network by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) will be tabled in the cabinet before the end of this year’s first quarter, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi said he had met with the Finance Ministry, telecommunication operators and DNB to get feedback on the matter.
“We still need a little more time to discuss the matter, we have received feedback from all parties and the Communications and Digital and the Finance Ministries are currently looking into it.
“I expect that before the end of the first quarter of 2023, we will be able to present it to the cabinet and from there I believe the government will announce the policy on the implementation of the 5G network,” he told reporters after a meeting with Communications and Digital Ministry staff at the State Broadcasting Department, here today.
Also present were Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chief operating officer Datuk Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus and Bernama chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin.
DNB chief operating officer Nasution Mohamed has reportedly said that 5G network coverage throughout the country has reached almost 50% in populated areas as of 2022, surpassing the initial 40% target.
In the meantime, Fahmi said discussions were underway to establish a communication control centre to overcome internet access issues in certain areas.
“During an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong last Wednesday, His Majesty talked about internet access problems faced by the community in Kuala Boh, Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
“I have asked Communications and Digital Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching to work with MCMC to set up a communication control centre by identifying in advance areas that are facing internet access problems,” he said.
On the data leak issue, Fahmi said his ministry planned to table amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709) in Parliament to better protect the personal data of all Malaysians.
He said the ministry was looking into tabling a cabinet ministers’ memorandum related to the matter and hoped it would be resolved this year.
Meanwhile, Fahmi reminded the public to verify any information they receive before sharing the news with others which can be done through MyCheck Malaysia, a fact-checking initiative by Bernama at http://www.mycheck.my, or MCMC’s Sebenarnya.my portal.
At the same time, Fahmi urged victims of cybercrimes to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 so that further action can be taken by the authorities.
He said this when appearing as a guest in Kelantan FM’s “Apa Khabar Ore Kelantan” special segment with the Communications and Digital Minister in conjunction with his working visit to the state today.
Fahmi also said that his ministry would announce a new fixed-line broadband package soon.
Meanwhile, he said it would hand over donations amounting to RM500,000 to flood-affected residents in the state. – Bernama, January 13, 2023
