104 5G sites completed

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 104 out of 254 sites for 5G network coverage have been completed in phase one of the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) initiative, according to Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Datuk Haji Yakub Khan.

Yakub clarified the districts involved in phase one include Kota Kinabalu (70 of 132 sites completed), Penampang (22 of 35 sites completed), and Putatan (12 of 23 sites completed).

As for phase two, he said districts included are Lahad Datu (37 sites), Sandakan (79 sites), Semporna (12 sites), Sipitang (two sites), Tawau (88 sites), and Tuaran (36 sites).

“The 5G network implementation project is underway. It is carried out by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) in phases, starting in areas that have high attraction for economic activities as the 5G technology will provide impact on the enterprise and industry sectors.

“For the Karamunting area, a total of four 5G sites are planned under phase two. Among the locations include SK Karamunting, Jalan Pelabuhan Baru, Lorong Bandar Nam Tung and Lorong Leila 3. All these sites are still under implementation and are expected to be operational by the end of 2023,” he said.

He said telecommunication companies that provide 5G services in Malaysia include YES, Celcom, Digi, UMobile and Telekom Malaysia but the government has not set guidelines for 5G service price plans yet.

The JENDELA initiative has an allocation of RM3.61 billion for Sabah from the years 2021 to 2025 to improve telecommunication services in the country.