BINTULU, 9 AUGUST 2024 – Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) in collaboration with TM inaugurated a Private 5G network at the PETRONAS LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak – signalling further advancements in connectivity and efficiency for the energy industry.
The event was attended by Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo, Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the nation’s 5G network provider.
Following the historic launch of Malaysia's first Private 5G network for enterprise at PETRONAS’ Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022, the new Bintulu location is one of four of PETRONAS’ sites installed with the technology.
The PETRONAS LNG Complex is one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in a single location with a production capacity of 29.8 million tonnes per annum, and deployment of the 5G network is expected to improve productivity and increase operational efficiency across critical production processes.
In his speech, Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the role of 5G technology in the energy sector transformation, saying, “5G is amongst the key technologies that is gaining importance in the energy sector. The technology, which offers ultra-high speed coupled with low latency communication between control hubs, production sites and vessels, helps to streamline the growing complexity in operational activities. Increased use of 5G-enabled intelligent systems such as industrial IoT, drones, robotics, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI) enhances operational efficiency and safety.
“Energy companies around the world are racing to modernise their operations, and I applaud PETRONAS, TM and DNB for taking the lead in digitalising Malaysia’s energy sector.”
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of LNG Assets Abang Yusuf Abang Puteh said, “PETRONAS is positioning itself at the forefront of the global technological race while meeting the evolving demands of the energy landscape. The integration of 5G with the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation will streamline workflows, increase productivity by automating data collection, while enhancing safety across all levels.”
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO said, “This private 5G deployment is the next phase in TM and PETRONAS’ long-standing partnership to future-proof its businesses for a sustainable future. Leveraging on advanced technologies like AI, the Enterprise 5G application is expected to yield optimum operational efficiencies for its highly secure reliable connection, real-time monitoring and analytics as well as remote maintenance.
“Furthermore, this collaboration will further catalyse digital innovation and industry adoption which are key to ensure business resiliency in the future and this intent is also aligned with TM’s aspiration of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030,” he added.
Looking ahead, PETRONAS and TM aim to explore opportunities to transform the energy industry through potentially expanding the distribution of Private 5G networks to newer sites for greater integration and efficiency.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

unifi business campaigns for local small & medium enterprises with #BelanjaDiSME
In conjunction with World SME Day, TM’s retail convergence solutions arm calls for Malaysians to support growth of local SMEs & nation’s economic rebound Recognising the immense contribution of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the country's socioeconomic growth, unifi Business is marking SME Day 2022, which falls on 27 June, with a month-long campaign to help these local players get back on their feet post pandemic, while rallying all Malaysians to support their business growth. Using the hashtag #BelanjaDiSME, unifi Business alongside several renowned partners have lined up multiple activities such as a Social Media Challenge, the SMEs to SMEs talk shows, and a nationwide entrepreneurs roadshow to celebrate the significant role played by local SMEs in creating employment, promoting innovation and creativity, as well as contributing to the country's economic prosperity. #BelanjaDiSME (which means Spend with SME) was chosen to encourage Malaysians to buy products and services offered by local SMEs, boosting the profitability of these enterprises and contributing to their rebound, post pandemic. This campaign started off with a Social Media Challenge, where Malaysians are invited to upload a picture of any local SME of their choice on their personal social media space with a creative caption, tagged with the #BelanjaDiSME hashtag. Participants with the most creative picture and caption will be in the running to win attractive prizes such as a 3-day and 2-night stay at local holiday destinations, smart devices, shopping vouchers and many more. The challenge is now open right up until the end of June, and everyone can participate! Meanwhile, entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and ideas to grow their business can catch SMEs to SMEs talk show featuring stories of local SMEs on their digital transformation journey. This talk show can be watched live on unifi Business Facebook page as well as on Astro Awani. Tune in and listen to these successful entrepreneurs: Anna Teo - Hernan Corporation (largest and leading exporter of Malaysian durians) – 25 June on ASTRO AWANI at 10.30pm Joanne Goh - Jazzy Group (international film producer) – 27 June on Astro Awani at 9.00am Nadira Yusoff - Kiddocare (online babysitting platform) – 27 June on Sembang Bisnes unifi Business Facebook page at 3.00pm. A nationwide tour is being held throughout the month of June, to raise awareness among SMEs on the importance of digitalisation process for their business growth and development especially during this transition to endemic phase. This is in line with the Government's focus on empowering this target group and improving their living standards. To give local SMEs a shot in the arm, unifi Business will also promote the SME Digitalisation Grant (SDG) where the entrepreneurs can enjoy up to 50% savings on their subscriptions to digital solutions from unifi Business or get a RM5,000 matching grant, as part of the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) initiative announced by the Government in 2021. This is an opportunity for SMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost. The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted SMEs, forcing them to evolve into a more digital literate organisation in order to survive and thrive. unifi Business, as the preferred digital partner of SMEs, provides just the digital solutions they need to make this happen, which include: unifi eCommerce Hub: Designed to connect and maximise growth opportunities seamlessly, this solution offers a single and integrated platform, with an easy-to-use interface. Entrepreneurs can sync their offline and online sales channels, manage product inventories, orders, monitor sales and revenue, as well as manage social media enquiries. They can even build interactive websites with live chat and built-in online payment features. unifi Cloud Storage: To help businesses manage the often-tedious task of storing valuable information, this solution brings flexible, safe and scalable data storage. It also provides access for multiple users and secured encryption for better business productivity. Hosted locally at TM's Green Data Centre certified facilities, unifi Cloud Storage provides a secure home for important files and information so businesses can focus on growing and being profitable. unifi Business Club (uBC): All unifi Business customers will enjoy member benefits of the uBC, which include access to relevant and current content at its portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find insightful and inspiring content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles to help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy access to financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. For more info on unifi Business SME Day 2022 happenings, visit https://ubc.unifi.com.my/. Let's support and celebrate these local SMEs, together.

TM Global Expands Network Infrastructure To Boost High-Speed Connectivity For Sabah And Sarawak
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 October 2023 – TM Global, the wholesale domestic and international business arm of TM, today announced the successful deployment of two additional International Internet Gateways (IGW) in Sabah and Sarawak. These IGWs will serve as crucial hubs for international Internet traffic exchange, reflecting the business’ commitment to continuously expand its local network infrastructure and offer high-speed Internet connectivity in East Malaysia. This network expansion will enable TM’s customers in East Malaysia and the neighbouring region to access global internet traffic via the most efficient route. By reducing the need to route traffic back to West Malaysia, these IGWs will significantly enhance connectivity speed and reliability for businesses, service providers and their end-customers. The two IGWs are located in Penampang (Sabah) and Stampin (Sarawak), strengthening TM Global’s existing Internet Exchange (IX) nodes across Sabah and Sarawak. The existing nodes in Sabah are in Kota Kinabalu, Inanam, Elopura, Menggatal and Putatan. Meanwhile, in Sarawak the nodes are in Kuching, Bintulu, Miri, Petra Jaya, Kuala Baram and Tabuan Jaya. Commenting on the initiative, Khairul Liza Ibrahim, TM Global’s Executive Vice President said, “As a strategic partner to enable Malaysia’s digital agenda, the deployment of these new IGWs reinforces our mission to connect Malaysia globally. “More importantly, these IGWs help bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas in Sabah and Sarawak, benefitting densely populated areas and enhancing Internet coverage for communities in smaller towns and remote locations. This will help drive digital opportunities for education, job prospects and entrepreneurship that will uplift these communities into the digital economy. “This amplified network reach also empowers TM Global to curate a more enriched digital experience, facilitating the global dissemination of substantial content at faster speeds while minimising latency. This advancement aligns with the progressive trajectory of 5G technology, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to position Malaysia as a trusted digital hub within the ASEAN region,” she concluded.

Telecommunications operators committed to JENDELA to deliver seamless digital connectivity for all Malaysians
Telecommunications operators Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Berhad, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Berhad and TIME dotCom Berhad (collectively 'the Industry'), are fully committed to partner with the Government and make connectivity a basic utility to fast-track Malaysia's transition into a high-income digital society. The Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) action plan announced recently by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Yassin, will be the platform to achieve these aspirations by accelerating the country's digital connectivity through widespread deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access, and paving the way to 5G, under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025). The National Digital Infrastructure Lab: A collaborative effort aspiring to deliver connectivity for all The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an urgency for Malaysia to address the 'new normal' and cater for future demands of connectivity as an enabler for all facets of life: The economy and people's livelihoods, education, business opportunities and building and connecting communities amongst others. To prepare for the future and to fulfill our Digital Malaysia aspirations, it is clear the Industry must aspire to enable everyone in this journey through quality and reliable connectivity. To this end, the Industry was a strong participant alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in the National Digital Infrastructure Lab (NDIL), with the aim to collaboratively address how to deliver quality connectivity to all Malaysians. The outcome of the NDIL was a comprehensive digital infrastructure plan that accelerates improvements to coverage and quality of experience nationwide, optimises fixed, mobile and fit-for-purpose technologies; and paves the way for the eventual adoption of 5G technologies to enable the country's digital ambitions. JENDELA: Strengthening Malaysia's Digital Communications Infrastructure to Deliver Seamless Connectivity for all Malaysians The Industry will work closely with the Government to fast-track the nation's progress towards becoming a globally competitive, resilient and enriched digital society and economy through JENDELA. Phase 1 (now to 2022): An accelerated improvement plan for nationwide 4G coverage and 7.5mil fixed broadband premises; with consistent quality of experience for everyone As announced by the Prime Minister, JENDELA will be implemented in phases. Phase 1, which starts now until 2022, will optimise existing resources and infrastructure for both mobile and fixed connectivity to: Expand 4G mobile broadband coverage from 91.8% to 96.9% in populated areas; Increase mobile broadband speeds from 25Mbps to 35Mbps; and Enable as many as 7.5 million premises to access gigabit speeds with fixed broadband services. JENDELA will firstly prioritise strengthening the nation's existing fixed and mobile networks and building a strong foundation for the eventual adoption of 5G. This will also involve the gradual retirement of 3G networks at the end of 2021. To achieve the targets in Phase 1, the Industry will look at providing wider coverage and enhanced quality of experience by upgrading and building new 4G sites, and fiberising more premises. This will be driven by extending 4G mobile coverage in rural and remote areas, improving in-door coverage for urban and suburban areas, connecting more homes with fixed broadband via fibre and other fit-for-purpose technologies (e.g. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and satellite) to ensure widespread nationwide coverage and connectivity for all. Meanwhile, fibre providers will continue to support the industry with fibre backhaul for capacity to serve higher traffic demands expected on 4G and to ensure the fibre foundation essential for future technologies such as 5G. Phase 2 (Beyond 2022): Address the Digital Divide via Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and pave the way for 5G Phase 2 of JENDELA involves utilising FWA and other fit-for-purpose technologies to address further gaps in the digital divide, as well as priming for the nation's eventual adoption of 5G technologies; which will take place once action plans under Phase 1 are achieved. The Industry will continue to educate the public on the potential of 5G and its capabilities, through use cases applied across verticals such as manufacturing, agriculture, education, healthcare, security transportation, consumer experience, environment and smart city development. These use cases will continue to be explored under the 5G Demonstration Projects (5GDP). JENDELA: A realistic, progressive digital connectivity plan to realise Digital Malaysia JENDELA is an accelerated improvement plan where all public and private stakeholders are equally invested to deliver. This is a shared aspiration for the whole country, driven by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) and MCMC in partnership with the telecommunications operators, and other agencies at the federal, state, and local council levels. The industry believes that collaboration among all parties is crucial to facilitate infrastructure rollout in a coordinated manner, with minimal impact on civil works, the public, the environment, and all aspects of the ecosystem. We look forward to working together to fulfil the objectives of JENDELA and enabling widespread quality connectivity for Malaysians nationwide. The Industry will provide periodical updates to the public on the progress of JENDELA, including initiatives undertaken as part of journey towards its aspirations.