03 Sep 2020
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.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM Demonstrates Commitment to Long-term Value Creation and Nation-Building at its 40th AGM
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 May 2025 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) demonstrated its firm commitment to delivering long-term value creation while enabling inclusive digital progress for the nation. TM returned approximately RM1.5 billion in value, benefiting various stakeholders through dividends and contributions that supported national socioeconomic progress. At the same time, TM prioritised strategic investments in business growth, community development, social impact programmes, and employee development, further generating a multiplier impact on the broader national economy. These efforts reflect TM’s focus on delivering sustainable returns to shareholders while staying true to its core purpose of creating value for all stakeholders as a nation-builder. “At TM, we see ourselves as facilitators of national progress, driving inclusive digital transformation that empowers enterprises, enriches communities and bolsters economic resilience. We are fully aligned with this vision - staying agile, expanding our capabilities and setting new benchmarks in service excellence to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the digital economy. This is what it means to be a world-class organisation,” said Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, Chairman of TM. This was underscored at TM’s 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today at Multi Purpose Hall, Menara TM, Kuala Lumpur, where all 14 resolutions tabled were duly passed by shareholders. The meeting was chaired by Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, with the Board of Directors and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, in attendance. Empowering Communities through Digital Access and Inclusion Beyond profits, TM is committed to driving digital inclusivity for all including nurturing future-ready talent, empowering communities, and expanding inclusive digital access across the country. For example, TM is expanding its digitalisation efforts and community-building in Pulau Tioman, starting with Kampung Mukut. Similar programmes are being considered for other islands already connected through TM’s submarine cable infrastructure. TM is also committed to develop schools on these islands, with a focus on nurturing youth through STEM education and digital exposure. “Our goal is to build digital ecosystems that empower local communities, helping them shift from traditional livelihoods to sustainable, future-ready opportunities,” said Amar. These efforts are further supported by the TM Future Skills (TMFS) School Programme, where TM has created three ‘nucleus’ schools designed as regional hubs for innovation via the TMFS Digital Hub. TM also plans to onboard 25 new schools in 2025. Meanwhile, Yayasan TM has launched the Yayasan TM TVET Madani initiative to enhance the skill sets and employability of TVET graduates, while its education arm, Multimedia University (MMU) collaborates with schools nationwide to provide early exposure to STEM subjects through workshops and career guidance. At the same time, TM continues to provide tailored digital solutions to more than 400,000 MSMEs nationwide, helping them grow and thrive in the digital economy. Under its talent development agenda, TM has contributed RM641 million to date to nurture close to 19,000 talents, many of whom now contribute to the broader digital economy and are part of the leadership in corporate organisations and national institutions. “This is how we demonstrate that success and achieving higher purpose can go hand in hand,” said Amar. Championing Sustainability and Responsible Growth Sustainability remains core to TM’s long-term strategy. The Group’s Sustainability Framework, introduced in 2024, is built on two key objectives: enabling sustainable growth for customers and communities, and ensuring resilience across the business and value chain. In its data centre operation, TM sources 50% of its data centre energy from renewable resources and implements water harvesting and recycling systems for water conservation. TM is also targeting global benchmarks with a planned Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.4 for its expansion projects, with the upcoming Johor facility, developed in collaboration with Singtel’s Nxera, targeting even lower PUE. Technologies such as intelligent cooling systems, solar panels and energy-efficient servers further reduce environmental impact and operational costs, ensuring TM’s growth aligns with global sustainability objectives. TM’s commitment to sustainable practices was recognised at multiple awards in 2024, including the Gold Award for its Smart Forestry AI tool under the Environment & Natural Resources Sub-Category: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the MTE 2024 SDG International Innovation Awards. This recognition affirms the Group’s leadership in sustainability, aligned with Malaysia’s environmental goals and net-zero ambitions. “We believe sustainability is fundamental, not just an afterthought. Our goal is to grow responsibly, delivering technology that benefits both the economy and the environment,” said Amar. Strategic Execution for Long-term Value Creation 2024 marked the first full year of implementation of its PWR 2030 strategy, which is the Group’s roadmap to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030 and positioning Malaysia as the digital hub for ASEAN. “This phase is about solidifying our foundation to protect the existing core business to better position us in capitalising emerging opportunities such as hyperconnected data centres, AI and GPU-as-a-Service which are among the new growth areas for TM,” said Amar. During the year, TM made significant progress in strengthening its core businesses across B2B, B2C and C2C amidst intensified market competition. Key milestones include strengthening the convergence proposition, advancing digital solutions such as smart services, cloud, cybersecurity, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure such as domestic fibre network, mobile backhaul to support 5G, submarine cable systems and data centres. These strategic developments reinforce TM’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital future while uplifting the broader ecosystem, with Warga TM continuing to be the driving force behind the Group’s growth and success. As TM continues its journey, the Group remains focused on delivering long-term value creation while creating meaningful impact for the nation. “TM is not merely a provider of technological infrastructure, but as an essential enabler and catalyst for a vibrant digital ecosystem, connecting Malaysia to the world and the world to Malaysia. As we move forward into the next phase of our journey, every initiative we undertake moves us closer to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, one that drives national progress, fosters innovation and ensures Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global digital economy,” said Amar, concluding his presentation at the TM’s 40th AGM.
TM & Astro collaborate to deliver high quality digital experience
TM provides Astro with full suite of wholesale infrastructure and connectivity solutions to enable Astro to serve its customers with reliable broadband and content services. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn Bhd (Astro) today inked deals to collaborate in delivering a high quality digital experience to all Malaysians. The collaboration also signifies both companies' commitment to support the “Jalinan Digital Negara” (JENDELA) initiative in providing wider broadband coverage and a better experience nationwide. The agreements were signed by Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President, TM WHOLESALE while Astro was represented by Henry Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Shafiq Abdul Jabbar, Group Chief Financial Officer. Through this strategic collaboration, TM, via TM WHOLESALE, its global and wholesale business arm, will provide Astro with a full suite of infrastructure and connectivity solutions that comprises the whole range of wholesale services inclusive of high speed broadband (HSBB), bandwidth, backhaul and Internet access. This extensive and robust fibre network infrastructure will enable TM together with Astro to provide high-quality and reliable connectivity to their end-users. With TM’s HSBB service, Astro also will be able to provide broadband services to its customers without having the need to build a new infrastructure while extending its coverage to wider areas across the country via a fibre network. As for Internet services, TM’s internet access solution will enable Astro to offer high performance internet connectivity and a comprehensive solution to its customers. To complete the services, TM will also provide Astro with its Content Delivery Network (TM CDN), a newly developed content platform service that delivers seamless, faster and secure digital content. This will enable Astro to strengthen its video streaming efficiency to its current service offerings. Commenting on the collaboration, Imri said: “TM as the leading infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband wholesale services, leveraged its superior network nationwide to support the industry’s broadband growth. We are also the primary mobile backhaul infrastructure provider for the industry with extensive coverage and capacity. As the digital infrastructure accelerator in Malaysia, we have always been a strong advocate of infrastructure sharing. Thus we are honoured to be given this opportunity to leverage each other’s expertise to provide Malaysians with high quality broadband and content services that we have. This strategic collaboration also demonstrates our commitment to ensure Malaysians are provided with a seamless and “always-on” connectivity experience. We are happy to work with Astro and this is yet another testament to our pivotal role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia aspirations.” Meanwhile, Henry Tan said: “This strategic partnership with TM lays the foundation for Astro to be an internet service provider. Astro’s goal is to provide Malaysians with the best digital experience and broadband value proposition. Leveraging on the strength of TM’s wide HSBB network will enable Astro to realise new revenue streams, scaling our broadband service with content bundles, or standalone broadband and other product lines. This deal gives us more flexibility to offer great value and convenience to our customers.”
Get industry insights from the minds of leaders & experts in the inaugural official TM Blog
Telekom Malaysia Berhad ("TM" or "the Group") recently unveiled its Official TM Blog, providing direct access to thoughts and insights from the Group's top leaders and subject matter experts in the telco and technology sector. Following the strides of some of the world's biggest tech firms, the blog intends to become a one-stop information centre for key decision makers, analysts as well as the media, allowing them to get the latest industry happenings, new ideas, analyses as well as trends in digital technologies and transformation, sustainability, organisational culture and various other exciting topics. Written to engage and inspire an informed global audience, the articles are clustered into four segments namely Ideas, Trends, Achievements, and Insights. Readers can also bookmark articles and subscribe to the content that matters to them, as well as share the articles via social media. The Official TM Blog is updated monthly, and is accessible from the main page of TM's corporate website, https://www.tm.com.my or directly from https://blog.tm.com.my/.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!