The government’s goal is to ensure that at least 50 per cent of rural areas in the country have 5G technology telecommunication coverage by the middle of next year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He further stated that the government will aim for not less than 85 per cent of rural areas to obtain 5G coverage by the end of 2024. Zahid Hamidi acknowledged that the remaining 15 per cent, which may include mountainous areas, would be more challenging to reach.
Despite the difficulties, Zahid Hamidi expressed confidence in the progressive vision of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, adding that the government is coordinating efforts with the aim of providing internet access to rural communities without requiring them to climb trees for coverage. He made these remarks during an interview on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia talk show programme aired on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) on Sunday (Oct 15).
In addition to the 5G initiative, Zahid Hamidi, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, revealed that his ministry, along with the Communications and Digital Ministry (KKD) and the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa), has identified Orang Asli areas for the installation of Starlink satellite devices. This move is intended to ensure that the Orang Asli community is not left behind in terms of connectivity.
Source: Budget 2024: Good news on 5G, cost of living and food security issues, says Fahmi
