Instead, he said, the communications and multimedia ministry (KKMM) had been involved in the process of planning for a national 5G network since 2019.

Zafrul gave a chronological breakdown on how the decision was arrived at to refute deputy KKMM minster Zahidi Zainul Abidin who said his ministry had only been informed of the decision after it was made by the finance ministry.

DNB, a government agency, has been tasked with building and managing the entire 5G telecommunications network but has run into problems with poor take-up by the telcos.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Zafrul maintained that his ministry had been working closely with KKMM.

He explained that the proposal to build the nation’s 5G network through a Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model had involved KKMM since early 2019, with the network making use of existing telecommunications infrastructure.

He said KKMM had published a special report on the national 5G network in December 2019, which mooted the formation of a sole entity by a 5G consortium, comprising the various telcos.

“However, due to the difference in interests between telcos, efforts to share networks, cut costs and launch, the 5G network could not be implemented as hoped for.”

He said KKMM continued to be involved through various events and meetings over the past two years, and minister Annuar Musa even attended the demonstration of the 5G multi-operator core network by DNB on Nov 10 this year.

“The government will ensure a holistic 5G network coverage, rapid implementation and affordable pricing for the entire Keluarga Malaysia, whether individuals or businesses,” he said.