The ministry said the transition from its original single wholesale network (SWN) model to a dual 5G network model necessitated the significant changes to DNB’s operations.
It added that DNB is working closely with its telco shareholders and experienced consultants to ensure its long-term sustainability and success.
The ministry was responding to Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) who asked about the government’s plan to ensure DNB’s sustainability and success.
He also asked how the government would ensure DNB is financially viable, particularly in light of competition from U-Mobile, which has been selected to roll out the second 5G network.
The ministry said the government currently holds approximately 34.9% equity in DNB, along with a golden share in the firm.
“As part of the transition to the dual 5G network model and in accordance with the signed DNB shareholders’ agreement, the government will be compensated for its shares in DNB and will relinquish its stake to the telcos that are existing shareholders,” it added.
The digital ministry said the government’s loan injection into DNB will be repaid by the telco shareholders, including the interest accrued on the loan.
“Government-guaranteed loans will also be refinanced, releasing the government from its guarantee obligations,” it said.
In a separate parliamentary reply, the ministry said the Personal Data Protection commissioner’s probe into the cyberattack on Prasarana Malaysia Bhd is still ongoing.
“The incident remains under further investigation and review by the commissioner.
“Initial findings indicate that the hacker had employed sophisticated and stealthy techniques, preventing Prasarana’s security system at the time from detecting unauthorised access,” it said, adding that Prasarana had also taken measures to strengthen the security for the affected systems.
On Aug 26 last year, Prasarana confirmed reports of a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorised access to parts of its internal systems, but said it did not disrupt its daily operations.