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Malaysia Spearheads 5G Implementation in Southeast Asia

29 Jul 2019
Malaysia Spearheads 5G Implementation in Southeast Asia
 
  • A total of 66 5G use cases have been identified by both government and private sector, culminating in an estimated total industry investment of RM50 million.
  • A Public Consultation will be conducted next month followed by final report submission in November 2019
 
CYBERJAYA, 29 July 2019 --- The National 5G Task Force which was mandated to study and recommend a holistic strategy for the fifth generation (5G) mobile technology deployment in Malaysia is on track to conclude its findings by November 2019.

The Task Force led by Chairman Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah with 113 members ranging from academicians, manufacturers, telecommunications services providers, to ministries and governmental agencies presented its Mid-Term Report to YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Communications and Multimedia, today.

Over the past eight (8) months, the Task Force has carried out various activities including initiating the 5G test beds which consist of 5G Showcase and Field trials to understand the technical capabilities and performance of the 5G technology. The first 5G Test Bed Call for Collaboration was announced in November 2018.

Subsequently, a workshop in collaboration with multiple ministries and relevant stakeholders was held on the 27th of June 2019, to create awareness among policy makers on the benefits of 5G, identify regulatory impediments in respective sectors, as well as identifying potential 5G use cases.

A Call for Collaboration for 5G Demonstration Projects was also made in June 2019. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received proposals from 11 companies across various verticals namely agriculture, education, entertainment, healthcare, manufacturing and process industries, oil and gas, smart city, transportation and tourism that are primed to benefit from 5G.  A total of 66 5G use cases have been identified by both government and private sectors, culminating in an estimated total industry investment of RM50 million.

On 1st July 2019, a Public Inquiry (PI) on the Allocation of Spectrum Bands for Mobile Broadband Service was also initiated and will end by 30th August 2019. The findings from the PI will be considered for a spectrum roadmap for Malaysia, which is expected to be finalised by the first quarter of 2020.

In addition, the 5G Task Force has separately identified and recommended other spectrum bands for 5G use, such as, the Mid-band from 3.3GHz to 4.2GHz; and High-Band or the millimeter wave bands of 26GHz and 28GHz. These mid-term findings are based on the spectrum bands’ popularity, as well as current readiness of the technology ecosystem.

The Task Force views seriously the health concerns raised by some quarters in regards to 5G and its radio frequency emission. Based on MCMC’s check and field measurements conducted by telecommunications operators, emission from the towers are within safe limits and comply with the Mandatory Standard on Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Emissions from Radiocommunications Infrastructure. It is also evident that the EMF emission from radiocommunications infrastructure are categorised as non-ionising radiation, which does not have enough energy to break or interfere with the molecular structure of a human body, as compared to ionising radiation.

In his speech, YB Gobind said: “Today, I’m happy to announce in the spirit of Kemakmuran Bersama (shared prosperity), we are expanding the 5G demonstrations from the original testbed areas of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya, to 5 other areas/states which are Selangor, Perak, Terengganu, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and Kedah. Our vision to transform Malaysia into a digital nation requires greater coordination and synergy across ministries, state governments and industry, and support from all Malaysians."

YB Gobind also announced that the existing 5G Task Force will evolve into 5G Implementation Task Force, upon completion of its final report later this year.

MCMC Chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak said, “MCMC will continue to work closely with ministries, key industry partners across various verticals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to address challenges in accelerating 5G implementation. Ultimately, our aim is to establish an all-inclusive and vibrant 5G ecosystem where new capabilities, skills, business opportunities can flourish to transform Malaysia as one of the leading digital economy in Southeast Asia.”

Following the Mid-Term Report, the Task Force will conduct a public consultation in August to obtain feedback on the findings before finalising and submitting the final report to the Government by Q4 2019.

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