DNB: 5G rollout to create RM21b in direct incremental GDP, spur RM650b GDP uplift

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 — Digital Nasional Bhd’s (DNB) 5G network rollout will create RM21 billion in direct incremental gross domestic product (GDP) growth and support 15,000 jobs, with the network having a positive impact on all economic sectors, the firm said.

In a briefing note to Digital Communications Minister Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil ahead of its meeting with the latter today, DNB said that the 5G Single Wholesale Network (SWN) will also create 750,000 high-value jobs, during its rollout period between 2021 and 2024.

Malay Mail had sighted the four-page document.

"DNB’s rollout from 2021-2024 will create RM21 billion direct incremental GDP and support 15,000 jobs, while the 5G network will impact all economic sectors. The 5G SWN will then be the foundation for Malaysia’s digital economy — driving economic growth through increased innovation and productivity — catalysing a RM650 billion GDP uplift, enhancing domestic and foreign investments, creating 750,000 high-value jobs, raising incomes, and boosting the development of local unicorns.

"5G-enabled digital services will create opportunities across multiple Malaysian industries, including energy, manufacturing, retail, construction, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, and others. DNB has engaged with the industry, alongside the Telcos, to execute 5G private network solutions as means to deliver the 5G-enabled services and use cases, including with Intel, Petronas, UMW and Sime Darby," the note read.

Early this month, Fahmi said that the 5G network rollout in Malaysia will resume as soon as possible, pending a joint review by his ministry and the Finance Ministry.

He said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at a Cabinet meeting on December 7, had expressed his desire that there should be no delay in the rollout.

Fahmi also said that Anwar would be meeting with DNB, the company tasked by the previous government to handle the rollout, which would also leave the company owning the whole spectrum of 5G infrastructure.

Fahmi also said that a further announcement on the matter will be made by Anwar — who is also the finance minister — after he meets with DNB.

Anwar had previously alleged that the project award to DNB had not been done with a proper tender process and that the award will need to be reviewed.

However, in response, the firm had in a statement maintained that the tender process was transparent and said it was committed to cooperating with the review.