By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SHAH ALAM, Jan 8 — The state government and the local authorities are assisting Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) in expediting the approval for tower installations to advance 5G implementation.
State executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said that 97 per cent was achieved by the end of last year, and that the target of 100 per cent by the end of this year has been set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
[caption id="attachment_373679" align="alignleft" width="431"] State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah speaks to Media Selangor at Setia Alam City Mall on August 25, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“DNB will act as the overseer for telco companies to ensure tower installations are completed within the stipulated timeframe,” he told Media Selangor.
Fahmi added that one of the constraints in achieving this target is the objections raised by residents during installations, due to the density of the areas.
“Additionally, the planning permission process takes quite some time as the local authorities review the set Service Level Agreement, which is also a source of state revenue.
“The lack of funding from service providers is another challenge in meeting this target,” he said.
Previously, the councillor announced that the state government is aiming to provide 5G network Internet access across all areas by 2025 to achieve the smart state objective.
Fahmi said that vigorous efforts are being undertaken through collaboration with the MCMC to digitise the community.