KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Selangor government expects a slight delay in achieving full 5G coverage in the state, but is confident the target will be met by early next year.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah said this is largely due to the rollout of a second 5G network under U Mobile.
“About two months ago, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that 5G coverage had reached 97 per cent. (The MCMC’s) target is to achieve 100 per cent (coverage) in populated areas by the end of 2025.
“We believe there may be a slight delay due to the rollout of the second network by U Mobile, so it might take a little more time. However, we are confident that, at the latest, full coverage in populated areas will be achieved by early next year,” Fahmi told reporters after the launch of the IoT-Enabled Industrial Parks (IEIP) programme at the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025 here today.
He added that a dual network meant there must be more negotiations between stakeholders to avoid overlapping coverage.
“There are also issues related to the acquisition of telecommunications sites, which take time to resolve,” he said.
The first 5G rollout in Malaysia was launched by Digital Nasional Bhd in December 2021, with Telekom Malaysia and YTL Communications as its operators.
Previously, it was reported that Selangor would achieve full 5G coverage in populated areas by year end.
Earlier, when met by the media, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said coverage in industrial areas, which will benefit most from 5G connectivity, will be prioritised.
“The processes and speed enabled by 5G technology will help industries operate more efficiently. We will record and analyse the impact once we receive the relevant data from Telekom Malaysia and other providers.”
“Currently, Telekom is the main operator responsible for expanding 5G coverage. However, we also understand that with Malaysia introducing both single and dual-band systems, private entities are now allowed to install and expand their own 5G networks.”
Amirudin said that following the rollout in industrial areas, focus will be on educational zones and later residential neighbourhoods, based on demand and needs.
He said the current 4G coverage and existing internet speeds are sufficient for most household activities and online transactions.
