PETRONAS has successfully adopted 5G private network at its Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in Melaka, the first in Malaysia to adopt the 5G technology for enterprise use. Supported by the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the deployment of 5G private network by PETRONAS is expected to optimise its internal operations and induce industry-wide change.

The event to commemorate the adoption of PETRONAS’ 5G Private Network here today was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, and witnessed by KKD Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, its Secretary-General, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, MCMC Chairman, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din and Senior Vice President Project Delivery & Technology, Datuk Bacho Pilong.

The event exhibited the aspirations under the Ekonomi MADANI and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) framework, which sets technology as the catalyst for a thriving and prosperous nation. “As we embark on this transformative journey, it’s crucial to acknowledge the integral role cutting-edge technologies play, 5G’s fast connectivity, low latency, and capacity to handle massive data flows will empower our industries to innovate, compete and excel on a global scale,” said Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah.

MCMC is working closely with mobile service providers to deploy 5G standalone networks that will foster more use case development across industries in Malaysia. As of September 2023, Malaysia’s 5G network coverage in populated areas stands at 70.2 per cent, with 5G subscriptions totalling 2.49 million, translating to 7.4 per cent penetration rate.

The deployment of the PETRONAS 5G Private Network sets the stage further for collaborative developments between the government, private sector, and academia to fully unlock the potential of 5G technology. Additionally, through Ekonomi MADANI and the NIMP 2030, focus will be given to nurturing local talents in ensuring the workforce possesses adequate skills and expertise to drive forward the digital future.

Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah said, “I applaud PETRONAS for their foresight and commitment to Malaysia’s progress. On this note, I want to commend KKD Minister Fahmi Fadzil, for his unwavering commitment and focus on steering the country’s 5G efforts.”

Sharing on the benefits of 5G, Datuk Bacho said that the deployment of the 5G private network at RGTSU Melaka, has improved operational efficiency and safety, supporting its business and sustainability targets.

“Our strategic adoption of 5G technology sets us ahead in the energy industry. By combining 5G with Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation, we’re putting Open PETRONAS as among the leaders in the global technological race, while ensuring we meet the demands of supplying safe, reliable, cost-optimised and emission abated energy solutions for Malaysia and our customers globally,” he added.

To date, Malaysia has received recognition from independent analytics companies Opensignal and Ookla on its efforts to become a global leader in 5G connectivity. Malaysia is also well on track in its target to achieve 80 per cent 5G network coverage in populated areas by the end of 2023.