30 Mar 2023
TM’S NEW FIBRE OPTIC NETWORK HUB (POINT OF PRESENCE) BRINGS FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY TO RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has today announced the completion of its new fibre optic network hub or point of presence (PoP) project phase one (1) installations, across northern region, Sabah and Sarawak. The launch ceremony, which was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, took place at SMK Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Also present were Dato’ Haji Pkharuddin Bin Haji Ghazali, Director-General of Education and Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Digital.
PoP is a place where different devices connect to each other and to the internet. In simple terms, PoP brings fibre closer to users. By setting up PoP locations near schools, people in rural and remote areas can get better and faster internet services in their homes, instead of relying on mobile internet. This will improve internet access and connectivity for more people in the community.
During the ceremony, YB Fahmi highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities that the new PoPs would bring. The new PoPs represent a major step forward in the Government's efforts to narrow the digital gap and promote digital inclusion across Malaysia.
A total of 4,370 PoPs had been planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) where 4,323 PoPs will be installed near rural schools and 47 PoPs near industrial area. Phase one (1) of the project, involves 677 sites and the remaining will be implemented under phase two (2) over the span of three (3) years, 2022-2025. A total of 233 PoP circuits were installed under phase 1, with 100% completion achieved by TM, ahead of other industry players.
“We are thrilled to see the progress and achievements of this project, which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to the community, including improved internet quality, economic development and the development of new infrastructures,” said Shazurawati Abdul Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One.
PoP will create a more balanced and inclusive regional development, boosting the growth of new technologies like 5G and future generations of communication technologies. Through this initiative, users in TM's PoP area have now reached over 9,000 and are increasing. A total of 58 of its users are schools that have subscribed to Unifi services. The widespread internet accessibility will not only help to develop the rural economy but more importantly allow learning materials to be downloaded, to improve the quality of education in schools, equipping the future generations with a wealth of knowledge.
“As the nation's telecommunications leader, and enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM is committed to support the nation's development agenda through the benefits brought by hyperconnectivity and digital solutions, which will accelerate digital adoption and new economic growth,” added Shazurawati.
“The presence of PoP can attract technology companies, start-ups and other businesses that require a high-speed internet connection to operate. This can create more job opportunities, increase innovation, and stimulate economic growth in local communities,” concluded Shazurawati.
The collaboration between TM and the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to deliver digital inclusivity throughout Malaysia. For phase two (2) of PoP project, TM has been awarded with 174 sites in the central region. This phase is expected to further boost digital connectivity and economic development for Malaysia.
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TM and Huawei collaborate to accelerate 5G commercialisation in Malaysia
Both parties exploring a working mechanism to cover spectrum, business case, ecosystem and key technologies towards empowering Digital Malaysia. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd (Huawei) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in accelerating 5G commercialisation in Malaysia as the country moves towards a Digital Nation. The MoU was signed by both companies at TM-Huawei Tech Summit held recently. Ir. Ts Azizi A. Hadi, Chief Network Officer, TM signed the MoU on behalf of TM while Mr. Zac Chow, Vice President Huawei Malaysia, represented Huawei at the signing ceremony. Commenting on the collaboration, Dato' Noor Kamarul Anuar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said, "It is an exciting development for us to collaborate with a global player like Huawei to accelerate the offering of 5G services to Malaysians. As a national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations, 5G technology will complement our existing wired-based offerings, world class connectivity as well as digital infrastructure. It will enable us to deliver more innovative digital solutions to all our customers across various segments. TM via its innovative and comprehensive products and solutions will continue to lay the foundation for Industrial Revolution 4.0 and rolling out 5G nationwide - serving a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government. This collaboration augurs well for the accelerated deployment of future 5G network, applications and solutions for Malaysian homes, businesses and beyond, in line with our aspiration to power Digital Malaysia." Meanwhile, Michael Yuan, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei said: "TM and Huawei have been working hand-in-hand for 15 years. We have been working together to connect more people than ever before. We are now at the crossroads of digital transformation. Huawei will fully support TM's aspiration to power Digital Malaysia, and will work together with TM to building a better connected and intelligent Malaysia via 5G." Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore on collaborating by leveraging on each other's core expertise and capabilities to explore a working mechanism covering spectrum, business case, ecosystem and key technologies. This would include collaborating for a joint study on 5G spectrum and its evolution; possible joint development of new services concepts and business case of selected 5G use cases which include but not limited to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Smart Cities and Vehicle-to-Vehicle or Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X); joint study in the areas of 5G Ecosystem Innovation; and explore future cooperation on full-fledged 5G end-to-end system. Through this collaboration, a joint working group will also be set up to identify areas of copper line services with the aim towards improving customer experience through FWA technology and/or services. "With this collaboration, we further strengthen our role as a national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations, where TM has established the communications backbone of Malaysia with the widest connectivity and convergence network. As a responsible nation-builder, we will continue to serve as a strategic enabler of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP), backed by our solid infrastructure towards empowering Digital Malaysia" Dato' Noor Kamarul Anuar concluded.
STATEMENT FROM TM REGARDING NG MERS 999
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 November 2025 – Telekom Malaysia acknowledges that some Malaysians were unable to get through to 999 and experienced slower emergency response in the early phase of the NG MERS 999 migration. We understand the concerns this has created for individuals and families in moments of urgency, and rest assured we are treating every incident with the highest level of priority. Malaysia upgraded the 17-year-old MERS999 platform because it had reached its technical limits and could no longer support the country’s evolving emergency requirements. NG MERS 999 was introduced to enhance accessibility, strengthen multi-agency coordination, and align Malaysia with modern international emergency standards. Upon this migration, we saw a surge in call volume immediately. While the previous system averaged around 50,000 calls per day, the new NG MERS 999 received close to 70,000 calls per day. About 5% of the calls were genuine emergencies, with the rest being silent and prank calls. However, the number of actual emergency incidents remained unchanged, ranging at an average of 3,500 emergency reports despatched per day. This sudden spike affected system performance, and we have taken immediate measures to restore the service including increasing server capacity and optimising the servers’ configuration. Additional resources were also mobilised in the call centre to cope with the high-volume calls. We would like to emphasise that the 999-voice service remains and continues to operate as the primary channel for emergency assistance. SaveME999 mobile application serves as a complementary channel for reaching emergency services. Users can refer to published FAQ in https://999.gov.my website for installation and registration guide. TM is committed to ensure better services to the public and the nation. We have taken the proactive role to work with all five (5) emergency agencies (Kementerian Kesihatan, PDRM, BOMBA, Angkatan Pertahanan Awam, and APMM) to resolve the issues and ensure seamless end-to-end emergency services. We appeal to the members of the public to use the 999 service responsibly, as unnecessary or prank calls can prevent the reach of those who are truly in need of real emergencies. Reducing such misuse will greatly enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the operations. TM remains fully committed to safeguarding Malaysia’s national emergency lifeline and we assure the public that it has always been our intent to deliver our best. Our teams are working around the clock to resolve these matters and to ensure that every Malaysian can get help quickly and reliably, whether through the 999 voice service or the digital channel.
TM INTRODUCES DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME FOR OVER 2000 B40 MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 July 2025 – TM, through Unifi Business, the preferred digital solutions provider for MSMEs nationwide, has introduced Usahawan Digital TM, a nationwide programme tailored to empower 2,200 B40 entrepreneurs from the e-Kasih database, equipping them with critical digital tools and skills to thrive in the digital economy. This is in support of the national Sejahtera MADANI initiative to alleviate poverty among Malaysia’s most vulnerable groups. The Usahawan Digital TM programme will deliver three core offerings: Skill Enhancement – entrepreneurship and digital training for both basic and intermediate levels, with a focus on digital marketing and sales skills. Digital Business Tools – technology support including UNI5G Biz mobile plans with complimentary smartphones, cloud storage and digital marketing services to help entrepreneurs market their products and build strong brands. Empowerment Programmes – community-based activities such as digital workshops, masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and entrepreneur showcases nationwide. This initiative is valued at RM10 million, averaging RM5,000 per entrepreneur, delivered in-kind through devices, digital solutions, and training resources. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO said: “As an enabler of Malaysia’s digital future, TM is proud to be part of this inclusive national movement to empower the rakyat. Through Usahawan Digital TM, we are providing digital tools, skills, and 5G connectivity to help micro-entrepreneurs transform their livelihoods. This effort aligns with our Digital Powerhouse 2030 aspiration to support talent and innovation development in Malaysia.” Usahawan Digital TM aims to not only elevate digital capabilities but also enables participation for underserved citizens and communities to embark on entrepreneurial journeys, ensuring their continued inclusion and growth in the digital economy.
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