Communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil also said the task force would ensure the smooth transition to the dual 5G network by early 2024.

Fahmi said the task force, which will be jointly chaired by the ministry’s secretary-general Fauzi Isa and treasury secretary-general Johan Mahmood Merican, would be managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

DNB and telcos such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, YTL Communications (YTL) and U-Mobile have been made members of the task force, with more members to be roped in from time to time.

Fahmi said the decision to form the task force was reached following a meeting between the ministry and telcos yesterday.

“The task force’s primary aim is to monitor the framework and the transition plan to a dual network (system) in order to ensure proper implementation of legal, financial and technical aspects,” said Fahmi in a statement.

Last week, the government agreed to allow a second 5G service provider, with the shift to a dual network to commence in Phase 2 of the rollout of the 5G network.

However, this will only happen once 80% coverage to populated areas has been achieved by DNB in early 2024.