KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 — 5G network coverage in Malaysia as of the end of March has reached 55 per cent, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said it was a positive development and showed that the government was on the right track in ensuring that the target of 80 per cent of populated areas getting 5G network coverage before the end of 2023 could be achieved.

"We have approximately 25 per cent more for us to reach 80 per cent of 5G network access for populated areas by the end of 2023. It is important that this is not interrupted.

"In discussions with the telecommunications companies, there are some recommendations on what we can do to expedite the process," he told reporters after the ‘Sumbangan Cahaya Ramadan’ Programme at Dataran PPR Kerinchi, here today.

Fahmi said he will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this week to finalise the policy and direction of 5G implementation in Malaysia.

Earlier, he distributed 500 packs of food and cash donated by Yayasan TM to the residents of PPR Kerinchi, which comprised the hardcore poor, orphans, B40 families, single mothers and persons with disabilities (PwD).

Yayasan TM has allocated RM260,000 for the implementation of the programme throughout the country for this year and so far a total of 2,100 people have received contributions. — Bernama