Gobind cited how DNB had successfully achieved 82% 5G network coverage of populated areas within three years, with 14.8 million subscribers now.

He believed DNB was on the right track, Sinar Harian reported.

“Overall, what has been implemented by DNB so far is good, and I don’t think there is any issue of (DNB) failing or becoming a white elephant in the future,” he was quoted as saying.

On Monday, Bersatu’s Machang MP, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, expressed concern that DNB would require to be bailed out by the government once the dual 5G network model commences.

Wan Fayhsal said the government had not come clean about how DNB would be managed after the second network is established, and was not being transparent in explaining the issue to the public.

In 2021, Malaysia introduced a plan for the state-owned agency to control the entire 5G spectrum, with various carriers using the infrastructure for mobile services.

After complaints that DNB’s monopoly would stifle competition, the government agreed to allow a second network by telecommunication companies, once DNB achieves 80% coverage.

The government also agreed to sell 70% of its stake in DNB to the mobile network operators.

Critics have warned that establishing a second network could lead to higher costs, taxpayer-funded debts and a conflict of interest.