KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s national 5G deployment is entering a new phase, transitioning from broad population coverage targets to a more strategic focus on high-speed connectivity along major transport routes and industrial corridors.
At the “Central Region Industrial Cluster Development Initiative” seminar organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), industry leaders emphasised that the next stage of rollout will prioritise seamless performance, regulatory compliance, and user experience — particularly in economically critical zones.
Afrizal Abdul Halim, head of corporate and innovation at Ericsson Malaysia, highlighted the importance of performance optimisation once baseline coverage obligations are met.
He explained that systematic monitoring and reporting by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) allow authorities and operators to identify underserved stretches, particularly along highways and logistics routes, and make data-driven enhancements.
This approach aligns with the broader objectives under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which aims to extend high-speed connectivity to 98% of residential, rural, and industrial areas by 2030. For stakeholders in industrial land in Selangor and commercial property in KL, improved digital infrastructure along key corridors strengthens the long-term attractiveness of strategic sites.
The seminar also explored how 5G integration is already transforming productivity across manufacturing, agriculture, and supply chain operations.
Datuk Anna Teo Lee Chu, founder and group CEO of Hernan Corporation — widely recognised as the “Musang Queen” — shared how automation powered by 5G connectivity has helped reduce reliance on manual labour while enhancing food safety standards.
As Malaysia’s largest cold chain manufacturer and exporter of durian-based products, her company adopted automated packing systems to minimise contamination risks and maintain consistency at scale, particularly for export markets such as China. The use of advanced connectivity enables real-time monitoring and quality control, reinforcing the importance of digital reliability in industrial production environments.
For operators managing factory in Puchong or industrial property in Subang area, such automation capabilities signal the growing importance of high-bandwidth, low-latency networks within modern industrial estates.
Claire Featherstone, chief commercial officer of Enfrasys Networks, pointed to the rapid emergence of private 5G networks as a foundation for enterprise digital transformation.
Private networks provide secure and uninterrupted environments for deploying AI-driven robotics, autonomous systems, and machine vision technologies. These systems process data locally from thousands of sensors, enabling real-time operational decisions while minimising downtime.
The benefits reported by enterprises include:
Reduced production interruptions
Higher output consistency
Improved multi-site coordination
Enhanced predictive maintenance capabilities
Such advancements are especially relevant for strata-titled industrial developments and high-spec facilities located on industrial land in Selangor, where tenants increasingly require smart infrastructure to remain competitive.
Beyond manufacturing, IoT sensors and AI analytics are also improving yield forecasting and resource optimisation in agriculture. Innovation ecosystems are being developed to support SMEs and start-ups, offering testing environments and technical guidance to accelerate 5G adoption.
The discussion was moderated by Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming of Taylor's University, with participation from industry leaders across technology and innovation sectors.
At MIDA’s Flagship Investment Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, panellists stressed that Malaysia’s competitive edge lies in strengthening regional and international supply chain alliances.
John Blankendaal, managing director of Brainport Industries Campus in the Netherlands, observed that global manufacturers are shifting toward regionalised “local-for-local” production models to mitigate risks and shorten supply chains.
Malaysia’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and established industrial base position it favourably as a regional hub within this evolving landscape.
Datuk Siobhan Das, CEO of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), noted that while Malaysia may not compete purely on cost against countries such as China, Vietnam, or Thailand, it retains advantages in quality, technical expertise, and operational reliability.
For investors and occupiers focused on commercial property in KL, office space in Bukit Jalil, and industrial property in Subang area, the acceleration of 5G infrastructure across transport routes and industrial clusters has tangible real estate implications.
Enhanced connectivity improves:
The value proposition of smart factories and high-tech facilities
Demand for modern logistics hubs along major highways
The attractiveness of industrial land in Selangor for advanced manufacturing
Integration between office space in Bukit Jalil and surrounding digital ecosystems
As Malaysia pushes toward a digitally enabled economy under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the synergy between telecommunications infrastructure and physical real estate will become increasingly pronounced. Well-connected industrial corridors and commercial hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are likely to see stronger tenant demand from technology-driven and automation-intensive sectors.
In this context, 5G is no longer merely a telecommunications upgrade — it is becoming a core enabler of industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and long-term property value creation across Malaysia’s most strategic growth regions.
Philippines