SHAH ALAM: The government will ensure the implementation of fifth-generation mobile network (5G) services goes according to plan despite two mobile network operators (MNO) having decided not to take a stake in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB).
Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said following the withdrawal of the two companies, negotiations with four other MNOs will continue and are expected to conclude within two weeks, adding that they involve adjustments in the agreement documents.
He said this was because the government had decided in the original agreement that the majority (stakeholders) should come from the private sector, but the other four companies do not have 50 per cent (stake)," he told a media conference after the launch of the Keluarga Malaysia Cheap Sale @ De Dagang here today.
"The companies will also need to go back to their boards as they had initially given approval based on an 11 percent subscription, so if we were to offer more, 15 to 16 per cent, they have to go back to their boards. We have to give them time," he said.
At the same time, Annuar said as mentioned by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, the offer is open to other industry players interested in acquiring a stake in DNB.
"What is important is that the 5G rollout must remain on track to meet the priority of achieving 80 percent 5G coverage in populated areas by 2024," he added.
Annuar said if the matter can be resolved within one to two weeks, the related companies can offer 5G services for areas where infrastructure has been completed without delay.
"The Ministry is maintaining the existing planning timeline for the rollout, if possible this month, although if negotiations are until the end of September, then there has to be a rollout in early October.
"I do not want delays or the government's roll-out plans interrupted because of one or two companies changing their stand. So, we must remain on track," he said.
It was reported recently that Maxis Bhd and U Mobile Sdn Bhd had decided not to take a stake in DNB for the 5G programme. Four MNOs, namely Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi.com Bhd, YTL Communications Sdn Bhd (YES) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) still stand by their respective decisions to be part of the programme.
On the RM700,000 in losses incurred by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) after its decorative trees were damaged during the National Day celebration on Wednesday, Annuar said this was caused by the overwhelming number of visitors that thronged Dataran Merdeka and Jalan Raja Laut to witness the parade.
"Maybe, as a guide, for future programmes involving the public, we should all be more responsible. Government property is also ours," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Sep 03 2022
Annuar said the government will ensure the implementation of fifth-generation mobile network (5G) services goes according to plan despite two MNOs having decided not to take a stake in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). - BERNAMA
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.