SEPANG, Feb 12 — The 5G coverage rollout at six of the country’s main transport hubs is a strategic move to support digital transformation, strengthen economic growth and enhance Malaysia’s image as a tourist destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said one of the government’s key objectives in conjunction with VM2026 is to ensure visitors form a positive impression of the country’s internet connectivity, hospitality and tourist attractions.
He said the 5G rollout by U Mobile, Malaysia’s second 5G network operator, in collaboration with EDOTCO, covers Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Langkawi International Airport, Penang Sentral, and Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS).
“These transport hubs serve as vital gateways to our country. They create first impressions for visitors and play a critical role in facilitating trade, tourism, and economic activity.
“The 5G in-building coverage deployed at these six hubs will be a game changer not only for travellers, but also for staff, retailers and operations, enabling greater efficiency and productivity through advanced connectivity,” he said at the launch of Ultra5G in-building coverage at KLIA Terminal 1 here today.
Fahmi said 5G adoption in Malaysia has surged significantly, from about 4.7 million users two years ago to 28 million as of December last year, reflecting strong acceptance of the next-generation network technology.
He also expects faster rollouts ahead, along with the entry of more mobile network operators (MNOs) offering more competitive plans and packages for consumers.
Fahmi said 5G coverage at transport hubs not only showcases Malaysia’s internet speed capabilities, but also allows the country to highlight the strength of its digital infrastructure to international visitors from the moment they arrive.
“Transport hubs are the first points of interaction for tourists with our country. If they experience good hospitality and very fast internet access, it creates a positive impression of their overall experience in Malaysia,” he added.
Fahmi said Malaysia is among the countries offering some of the world’s most affordable internet prices, and that 5G deployment at major gateways is expected to further enhance visitors’ excitement and confidence.
Beyond improving visitor experience, Fahmi said 5G technology at transport hubs also has strong potential for security applications, including the use of 4K-capable cameras, Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen monitoring.
He said the 5G rollout would also support the government’s broader goals for digital infrastructure planning and development.
“We hope local authorities and building owners will leverage not just network speed, but also related technologies such as RedCap cameras for security monitoring at 4K quality, integrated with AI to filter and detect individuals of interest to the authorities.
“I believe these are among the key benefits of 5G technology, and if extended to other sectors, many industries will be able to reap similar advantages,” Fahmi explained.
