BY: Michelle Liew
The implementation of the fifth generation (5G) network will transform the digital-based economy in the country, said the Minister of Communications and Multimedia (MenKOMM), Tan Sri Annuar Musa.
In this regard, he said institutions such as the Malaysian Family Digital Economy Center (PEDi) and the Digital Economy Landmark (MEDi) that had been launched needed to be further enhanced to support the digital -based economy.
“The implementation of 5G is now much more challenging and this 5G application will transform the country’s economy … a fully digital -based economy.
“Therefore, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) cannot be in the air because we need to make this economy digital,” he told reporters after the MenKOMM Friendly Ceremony with ministry staff in conjunction with the rebranding of K-KOMM, on Thursday.
On Feb 22, Annuar said the implementation of the fifth generation (5G) network should be done in a timely manner to avoid losing potential investors.
The government has decided to maintain the implementation of the 5G network as a Single Wholesale Network (SWN), by paving the way for telcos to hold equity in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).
Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said the Cabinet agreed that the government, which now owns 100 per cent DNB equity, would offer up to 70 per cent DNB equity stake to Mobile Network Operator (MNO) telecommunications companies.
Meanwhile, Annuar said that the rebranding of K-KOMM was implemented to avoid confusion between the ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“This rebranding makes calling easier and simpler. What is important is that it avoids confusion between MCMC and K-KOMM,” he said.
Starting March 17, the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia used a new abbreviation, K-KOMM, while its ministers were referred to as MenKOMM.
Earlier, Annuar broke his fast with K-KOMM staff and presented donations to 18 orphans from the Al-Kausar Orphanage, in Bangi, Selangor.
