Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Communications has identified 67 industrial areas nationwide to be equipped with 5G internet services, said its Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He stated that the locations of these industrial areas were identified through cooperation with the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the aim is to prioritise these areas due to the significant benefits of 5G for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Fahmi emphasized the importance of enabling factories to benefit from fast connectivity provided by 5G. He shared this information after attending the ministry’s Strategic Working Direction Meeting 2025.

Also present at the meeting were the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Meanwhile, Fahmi mentioned that the penetration rate of 5G usage among the public is increasing by two to three percent each month, nearing 53.3 percent nationwide. The Ministry of Communications is committed to ensuring that rural communities receive at least 4G coverage before being upgraded to 5G.

He noted that the previous National Digital Network (JENDELA) Phase One initiative aimed to complete 1,661 towers by June this year, marking the first step toward enhanced connectivity. Fahmi expects that the two 5G networks may collaborate strategically to ensure that towers in rural areas can be utilised for 5G purposes.

JENDELA Phase Two will target between 2,500 and 3,000 locations in rural areas that currently lack internet access.