Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced the government’s commitment to providing 5G coverage to a minimum of 50% of rural areas across the country by the middle of next year.
Additionally, he stated that the government aims to ensure that no less than 85% of rural regions will have 5G coverage by the end of 2024, according to Bernama.
Ahmad Zahid clarified that the remaining 15%, which may consist of challenging-to-reach mountainous areas and similar locations, would be the primary focus.
He expressed confidence in the progressive ideas and vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and stressed the importance of extending 5G coverage to rural communities.
Ahmad Zahid emphasised that rural residents should not face challenges like climbing trees to access the internet, and efforts would be made to overcome such difficulties.
As the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Ahmad Zahid revealed that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD) and the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA), has identified Orang Asli areas for the installation of Starlink satellite devices to ensure that this group is not left behind in the digital transformation.
