(KUALA LUMPUR, 23rd) Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi pointed out that Malaysia’s robust digital infrastructure, along with its political and policy stability, is driving continued inflows of technology and digital investments into our country.
He said the success of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) infrastructure initiative has laid a solid foundation for Malaysia’s further growth, making the country an ideal destination for data centers and other digital investments.
"With the advancement of JENDELA Phase 1 and Phase 2, the national fiberization plan has achieved remarkable results. The costs are indeed substantial, but we view this as an investment for the people."
He said this in an exclusive interview with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arularasu. Others present included Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief (National News) Mohamad Sukri and Executive Editor for Economic News Sharawati.
JENDELA is part of the 12th Malaysia Plan, aimed at strengthening the country's digital infrastructure and preparing for the adoption of 5G technology.
Fahmi mentioned that the plan has made Malaysia an attractive investment destination, with several international companies, including cybersecurity firms, having established regional operations hubs in the country.
These include the Canadian company BlackBerry, which has expanded its Asia-Pacific headquarters to Malaysia, and the Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo, which has set up a regional network center in Malaysia.
"Investors are not only concerned with infrastructure and costs, but also with political and policy stability. Certainty in government policies is crucial, and Malaysia's neutral geopolitical stance and robust governance boost investor confidence."
He expressed confidence that Malaysia, with its stable environment, strategic location, and resilient digital infrastructure, will continue to attract substantial digital and technology investments.
Speaking on the changing landscape of the telecommunications industry, Fahmi said that telcos are gradually moving beyond basic connectivity services to offer innovative and value-added services.
He cited Telekom Malaysia (TM) as an example, which has transformed from a traditional telco to a technology-driven company, reflecting the industry’s future development trend, where fiber forms the core infrastructure, while services and solutions become the main differentiators.
He emphasized that telecom companies can no longer rely solely on basic voice and data services, and the key in the future lies in understanding target customer groups and developing services tailored to lifestyles and industry needs.
Fahmi said that Malaysia’s 5G deployment has made rapid progress, transitioning from a single wholesale network to a dual-network model, providing consumers with more choices while promoting healthy competition.
Currently, the first 5G network covers over 82.4% of densely populated areas, while the second 5G network by U Mobile has reached approximately 57% coverage in just a few months.
"This was achieved within just 3 or 4 months, which is quite fast. I anticipate that by 2026, we will see more cooperation and collaboration."
Fahmi mentioned that as most infrastructure is shared, competition in the coming years will no longer depend on coverage, but rather on innovation and service products that fully leverage the capabilities of 5G.
"According to estimates, among about 45 million accounts in Malaysia, around 60% are 5G users. This is a very impressive figure, as it took some countries like South Korea four to five years to reach the 60% level, whereas we did it in about a year and lead many countries."
He added that Malaysia has one of the fastest network speeds in the region and is also among the countries with the lowest internet fees globally. Malaysia is also one of the most digitalized societies in the world.
"Some applications, such as WhatsApp, have a penetration rate of over 94%. This ranks among the highest regionally and even globally."
"With the advancement of JENDELA Phase 1 and Phase 2, the national fiberization plan has achieved remarkable results. The costs are indeed substantial, but we view this as an investment for the people."
He said this in an exclusive interview with Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arularasu. Others present included Acting Deputy Editor-in-Chief (National News) Mohamad Sukri and Executive Editor for Economic News Sharawati.
JENDELA is part of the 12th Malaysia Plan, aimed at strengthening the country's digital infrastructure and preparing for the adoption of 5G technology.
Fahmi mentioned that the plan has made Malaysia an attractive investment destination, with several international companies, including cybersecurity firms, having established regional operations hubs in the country.
These include the Canadian company BlackBerry, which has expanded its Asia-Pacific headquarters to Malaysia, and the Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo, which has set up a regional network center in Malaysia.
"Investors are not only concerned with infrastructure and costs, but also with political and policy stability. Certainty in government policies is crucial, and Malaysia's neutral geopolitical stance and robust governance boost investor confidence."
He expressed confidence that Malaysia, with its stable environment, strategic location, and resilient digital infrastructure, will continue to attract substantial digital and technology investments.
Speaking on the changing landscape of the telecommunications industry, Fahmi said that telcos are gradually moving beyond basic connectivity services to offer innovative and value-added services.
He cited Telekom Malaysia (TM) as an example, which has transformed from a traditional telco to a technology-driven company, reflecting the industry’s future development trend, where fiber forms the core infrastructure, while services and solutions become the main differentiators.
He emphasized that telecom companies can no longer rely solely on basic voice and data services, and the key in the future lies in understanding target customer groups and developing services tailored to lifestyles and industry needs.
Fahmi said that Malaysia’s 5G deployment has made rapid progress, transitioning from a single wholesale network to a dual-network model, providing consumers with more choices while promoting healthy competition.
Currently, the first 5G network covers over 82.4% of densely populated areas, while the second 5G network by U Mobile has reached approximately 57% coverage in just a few months.
"This was achieved within just 3 or 4 months, which is quite fast. I anticipate that by 2026, we will see more cooperation and collaboration."
Fahmi mentioned that as most infrastructure is shared, competition in the coming years will no longer depend on coverage, but rather on innovation and service products that fully leverage the capabilities of 5G.
"According to estimates, among about 45 million accounts in Malaysia, around 60% are 5G users. This is a very impressive figure, as it took some countries like South Korea four to five years to reach the 60% level, whereas we did it in about a year and lead many countries."
He added that Malaysia has one of the fastest network speeds in the region and is also among the countries with the lowest internet fees globally. Malaysia is also one of the most digitalized societies in the world.
"Some applications, such as WhatsApp, have a penetration rate of over 94%. This ranks among the highest regionally and even globally."