Johor: The Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is poised to broaden the implementation of the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) nationwide to boost connectivity in areas experiencing limited internet coverage. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that this initiative would facilitate collaboration among telecommunications companies, specifically targeting rural, remote, and underserved regions with weak signal reception.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MOCN initiative enables telecommunications companies with existing infrastructure in a specific area to share their network with other operators, thus allowing mobile signals to be transmitted and received more comprehensively. Currently, the MOCN initiative is operational in five locations: two telecommunications towers at Bukit Putus in Negeri Sembilan, and one each at Prima Gambang in Pahang, the Kota Seri Langat Toll Plaza on the West Coast Expressway (WCE) in Banting, Selangor, and Tanjung Asam in Penang.

In Johor, several areas are being identified for the implementation of MOCN. Based on assessments and studies conducted by the MCMC, areas with limited 4G or 5G coverage are predominantly situated in the rural parts of the state. Fahmi highlighted that one of the primary factors leading to poor mobile signal reception is that many homes are located in villages and rural areas surrounded by oil palm trees. He emphasized that Johor remains a priority for the ministry and the MCMC as they work towards achieving 100 per cent internet coverage in populated areas.