THE government remains firmly committed to expanding 5G infrastructure into rural areas such as Sungai Burong, Sekinchan, and Permatang within the Tanjong Karang parliamentary constituency, the Ministry of Communications confirmed on Wednesday.
In a reply to Tanjong Karang MP, Captain Datuk Dr Zulkafperi bin Hanapi (Retired), Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that as of 31 July 2025, internet and communication coverage in populated areas across Malaysia stood at 98.82%. Coverage in Tanjong Karang is currently at 99.75%, while neighbouring Sungai Besar recorded 99.99%.
On the national 5G rollout, Fahmi reported that Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) had completed 7,489 5G transmitter sites, achieving 82.4% coverage of populated areas. Over 28 million users have subscribed to 5G services, with a mobile broadband penetration rate of 82.7 per 100 inhabitants.
“In Tanjong Karang, 19 5G transmitter sites are currently operational, covering 85% of the populated areas,” the minister said. “Further expansion into rural zones will proceed in phases, guided by infrastructure readiness and local demand.”
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is also working closely with U Mobile on the deployment of the country’s second 5G network. U Mobile’s 5G services went live on 14 July 2025, with 1,232 transmitter sites already upgraded to provide coverage.
Meanwhile, Phase 1 of the national digital infrastructure plan, JENDELA, is expected to reach full completion by the end of 2025. Plans for JENDELA Phase 2 are currently under evaluation and will be formally announced in the fourth quarter of the year.
Fahmi added the implementation under JENDELA 2 will factor in suitable service delivery models and financing capacity through the Universal Service Provision (USP) Fund. Rural connectivity solutions are expected to include the construction of new telecommunications towers and satellite internet services.
He reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable digital access across all regions, saying the expansion strategy is aimed at supporting Malaysia’s transition to a digitally inclusive economy. -August 13, 2025
