Malaysia’s Communications Ministry and MCMC directed to explore cooperation with Timor-Leste, including 5G rollout and subsea cable initiatives.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission have been directed to further explore several areas of cooperation with Timor-Leste.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated this includes sharing Malaysia’s experience in rolling out the 5G network.
He said this directive came from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding aimed at broader collaboration between government agencies and institutions from both countries.
Fahmi told reporters at the International Media Centre that connectivity is a key area of focus.
He confirmed the Prime Minister has asked his ministry and MCMC to assess sharing Malaysia’s 5G rollout experience with Timor-Leste.
The Timor-Leste government has also shown interest in Malaysia’s National Information Dissemination Centre initiative and subsea cable projects.
Fahmi highlighted that Malaysian and Timorese telecommunications companies are currently discussing improved data packages for travellers and tourists.
He noted that from October 17, Malaysians travelling to Timor-Leste can access good ASEAN roaming packages previously unavailable.
Fahmi described these developments as a very good first step in enhancing bilateral telecommunications cooperation.
He emphasised the importance of these discussions for future connectivity between the two nations.
Fahmi described Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th member of ASEAN as a very historic moment reflecting the growing ASEAN community.
He expressed Malaysia’s pride in hosting more than 2,900 media practitioners from around the world for the summit.
Fahmi added his hope that the 47th ASEAN Summit will proceed well under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim earlier officiated the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The ceremony marked the start of three days of high-level meetings under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.
The opening ceremony was attended by ASEAN leaders, ministers and delegates and began with the playing of the ASEAN anthem.
Prime Minister Anwar delivered the opening address as ASEAN Chair during the ceremony.
More than 30 heads of state and government will participate in discussions on regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth.
Participating nations include the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
These discussions will focus on the chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” throughout the summit proceedings. – Bernama
