This article appeared in Buletin Mutiara on 9 September 2022.

PEOPLE must have heard all the buzz about 5G and how it is set to benchmark a whole new future in the tech industry, influencing global business growth and productivity, while providing the best possible internet coverage for the masses.

What people need to also know, especially Penangites, is that the 5G technology is finally here in Penang!

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the long-awaited news during the launching ceremony here at the UAB Building in George Town today.

“With this new technology, it is no doubt that our commercial values will be boosted, leading towards a strong digital economy, while delivering faster, seamless, and safer coverage for the people of Penang.

“Even before today, Penang has been 5G-ready after being selected as one of the six states in Malaysia for the 5G Demonstration Project (5GDP).

“It was in 2020 when Penang took a major step towards the delivery of 5G services with the launch of 19 demonstration projects worth a total of RM23 million in collaboration with seven telecommunications companies.

“The seven telco companies were Celcom Axiata, U Mobile, Digi Telecommunications, YTL Communications, Maxis Broadband, Telekom Malaysia and edotco Malaysia.

“Today’s launch would not have been possible without Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the entity responsible for undertaking the deployment of 5G infrastructure nationwide.

“Also, not forgetting our strategic partners, telco members and other relevant authorities for equally playing a key role in materialising the rollout of 5G here in Penang,” Chow said in his speech before launching the ceremony.

Also present were various state representatives and key industry players.

In a related development, it was learnt that a total of 151 sites have been identified on the island for the execution of 5G services under the implementation plan (Phase One) by DNB for this year.

Chow said out of the 151, 58 new 5G telecommunication structures were set up, while the remaining 93 structures were upgraded from existing structures.

“As for 2023, under Phase Two, 235 5G status structures will be set up in Seberang Perai and 77 similar structures on the island, focusing on the northeast district,” he added.

Chow also thanked YTL Communications for becoming the first telco company in Penang to launch the 5G services with an internet speed surpassing 120Mbps.

“The state government would like to thank YTL for initiating the ‘YES 5G For All’ plan with exciting features to look at,” he said.

YTL chief executive officer Wing K. Lee, during his speech, mentioned that the 5G coverage area would expand to 80% of Malaysia’s total population by 2024.

Among others present during the launching ceremony were state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Island City Councillor (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, state Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) director Rahmat Abu Nong and DNB chief corporate affairs officer Zuraida Jamaluddin.