PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — Several important developments related to Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), including the appointment of its board members and the direction of the agency, will be announced tomorrow, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also the Unity Government spokesman, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised on the implementation of the 5G network in the country in today’s Cabinet meeting.
“Among the matters agreed is for (Digital Minister) Gobind Singh Deo to attend an event with DNB in Penang where he will make some announcements regarding the appointment of board members and the direction of DNB,” he told a press conference here today.
Fahmi added that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) will sign a memorandum of understanding soon to expedite the adoption of 5G networks specifically for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
He said the prime minister also emphasised the benefits of 5G not only to the people but to the adoption and implementation of the network for the MSME sector.
DNB is a special-purpose vehicle company set up in 2021 by the Finance Ministry to drive the development of 5G infrastructure in Malaysia. It is currently the sole owner of the 5G spectrum network and will soon operate with a second network that has yet to be finalised.
Fahmi said more than 35 per cent of all telecommunication users subscribed to 5G packages as of April 17, but the adoption by the industrial sector and MSMEs needs to be accelerated.
“Next week, if all goes well, there will be some additional announcements regarding the implementation of the 5G network.
“This will give a clear direction and also related to the dual network that was announced before. The dual network policy will continue and a follow-up announcement will be made by next week,” he said.
On another development, Fahmi said the Cabinet was also informed about the success of the 2024 KL20 Summit which took place on April 22 and 23, with several significant announcements.
In addition to the positive feedback about the KL20 format, which is seen as coincidental and suitable, Fahmi said the prime minister wanted several things to be prioritised and expedited specifically related to the issue of artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry.
He said the prime minister also insisted that the KL20 event will have a positive impact on the future of Malaysian industry and economy with some follow-up actions to be announced soon.
— Bernama
