The collaboration, he said, will enable the nation to harness the complete capabilities of 5G technology while presenting an opportunity for various innovative efforts.
“Additionally, the core focus will be on nurturing local talent, ensuring that our workforce possesses the skills and expertise necessary to propel our digital future forward,” he said.
Fadillah made these remarks in his keynote address during the launch of Petronas’s first commercial 5G private network today. Also present was communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil.
According to Fadillah, Malaysia remains committed to substantial investments in digital infrastructure in order to leverage technology for innovation and societal advancement.
“The implementation of Petronas’s 5G private network serves as a testament to our commitment to remain at the forefront of technological advancement.
“As a national champion and a prominent global player in the energy sector, Petronas exemplifies a compelling standard by recognising the transformative potential of 5G,” he added.
The 5G private network will be deployed at the firm’s Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) facility in Melaka, with the collaboration of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Petronas will be the first in Malaysia to adopt 5G technology for enterprise use.
Fadillah noted that faster and more reliable connectivity empowers businesses to streamline operations, develop new services and expand their reach, both locally and globally.
“Moreover, the increased efficiency and effectiveness that 5G offers result in cost savings and improved competitiveness, ultimately contributing to economic growth and prosperity for Malaysia,” he said.
He also highlighted that as of last month, Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stood at 70.2%, with 5G subscriptions totaling 2.49 million, translating to a penetration rate of 7.4%.
“We are on track to achieve the target of 80% 5G network coverage in populated areas by the end of 2023 before transitioning from the single wholesale network to a dual network model,” he added.