SERI KEMBANGAN – Issues surrounding the nation’s 5G network roll-out may be discussed during next week’s cabinet meeting, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The Lembah Pantai MP also said he had met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday after the latter requested the scrutinisation of several issues relating to the 5G roll-out.
“(Anwar) requested for the ministry to look into some aspects of the 5G network roll-out. I have had a meeting with him to discuss some issues and I hope that the matter can be brought to the cabinet next week,” he said when met by reporters at an event here today.
In February, Fahmi said meetings were held between government special-purpose vehicle Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission as well as telecommunication companies to discuss the national 5G network.
Under the leadership of then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Putrajaya had introduced DNB as a special purpose vehicle under the Finance Ministry to oversee the roll-out of the 5G network.
In December last year, Anwar said his administration would review the 5G network roll-out under DNB, adding that plans were “not done in a transparent way, with no tender process”.
Previously, when in opposition, Anwar and Fahmi had expressed reservations about DNB’s role in the project.
Meanwhile, Fahmi hinted that end-users of mobile prepaid services will be in for a treat soon.
“The ministry is still holding talks with telecommunication companies, but we should be agreeing on certain things shortly.
“Hopefully, we’ll have good news for prepaid users. Give us about two to three days to sort out the matter,” he said after handing over a donation to a family of former Utusan Malaysia media personnel in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day on May 29.
Also present at the event was Communications and Digital Ministry chief secretary Mastura Ahmad Mustafa and Bernama chief executive officer Roslan Ariffin. – The Vibes, April 14, 2023
