The Cabinet had been due to discuss the plan today, following concerns from telecommunications companies over pricing and other issues.

Minister Annuar Musa told Reuters in a text message he would hold a news conference to announce the decision on Wednesday.

He declined to elaborate on the details presented to the Cabinet, as discussions were private.

Mobile carriers have recommended the government allow a second 5G provider, sources told Reuters in December, following an impasse between operators and Digital Nasional Bhd, the state agency tasked with deploying 5G.

Carriers are worried the plan would result in a nationalised monopoly more costly than deploying 5G on their own, though DNB has said it will charge operators less to access its 5G network than the cost they incurred for 4G.