PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia should be able to leverage on 5G technology within the next three years and catapult the national economy towards strong and sustainable growth, says the Prime Minister.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said, however, this is only possible if all stakeholders get aboard the 5G agenda together with the government.

“I am confident, that if we make the necessary preparations to usher this transformational technology, Malaysia should be able to leverage 5G within the next three years, enabling the country to punch above its own weight and catapulting the national economy towards strong and sustainable growth.

“We have come a long way, and yet there’s still a distance to go. What we are doing today is the cornerstone of Malaysia’s march into the new age and a vital foundation for us to remain relevant and competitive,” said Dr Mahathir at the launch of the 5G Malaysia showcase here on Thursday (April 18).

Dr Mahathir said 5G will impact every industry that is vital to the growth of the country’s economy.

“Industries like manufacturing that has contributed 22% to the Gross Domestic Product in the last five years, remains integral to the national economy.

“Through smart manufacturing or massive machine-type communications, the government hopes that it can attract high value-added, high technology and knowledge-intensive investment in areas such as aerospace, chemicals and chemical products, machinery and equipment, medical devices, and electrical and electronics,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said the government - through the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan
(NFCP) and the National 5G Task Force - aimed to create an environment conducive for 5G growth

“The businesses are our main stakeholders and we need to continue improving the environment for the businesses to prosper,” he said.

The 5G showcase event is open to the public at the Putrajaya Corporation Complex until April 21.

5G is a technology that promises fast speed and connections.

It opens the world for smart cities, driverless cars, improved health care and a fully-realised Internet-of-things.

5G is said to revolutionise the entire industries and the way people live, work and play.