Malaysia is targeting full 4G coverage and 98 per cent 5G coverage in populated areas by 2030, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi said current 5G coverage had reached about 84 per cent nationwide, while efforts were ongoing to further expand connectivity across the country.
"In the ministry and government's planning, the target set by 2030 is 100 per cent 4G coverage in populated areas.
"Meanwhile, 5G coverage is expected to reach 98 per cent by 2030," he told reporters after a working visit to the CelcomDigi Advanced Intelligent Warehouse here today.
Fahmi said 5G technology was increasingly important for industries as it allowed more devices, equipment and machines to communicate simultaneously compared with 4G and WiFi.
He said this was particularly useful in warehouses, factories and industrial areas that depended on Internet of Things (IoT) applications, real-time monitoring and automated systems.
He said 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology could also help realise the concept of a "data highway" by allowing large amounts of data to move rapidly between machines and systems in real time.
Unlike existing 5G networks that rely partly on 4G infrastructure, 5G SA operates on full 5G architecture, offering faster response times, lower latency and support for more connected devices.
Fahmi said the technology had also matured, with many solutions now more accessible, affordable and tested for use by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He said the CelcomDigi warehouse, which measures 10,000 sq ft, could provide storage capacity that would previously have required a 40,000 sq ft facility.
He said this showed that 5G-based automation could help businesses reduce space requirements while improving efficiency, monitoring and product movement.
Fahmi said he had also asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to engage telecommunications companies on expanding 5G applications, particularly for SMEs.
He said the government was also studying whether incentives could be proposed to the Finance Ministry to encourage wider adoption of the technology.
"We want SMEs to see for themselves how 5G technology can benefit their operations.
"At this time, we are drafting several proposals to be brought into the 2027 Budget. I hope this can be finalised soon, possibly within one to two weeks," he added.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/06/1459136/fahmi-4g-coverage-hit-100pc-5g-98pc-2030
