Penang Port goes high-tech with Malaysia’s first dedicated private 5G network

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil (right) launches Penang Port’s private 5G network at North Butterworth Container Terminal today. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 2:48 PM MYT

BUTTERWORTH, Oct 17 — Penang Port Sdn Bhd (Penang Port) has become Malaysia’s first port to deploy a private 5G network on dedicated spectrum, marking a milestone in its digital transformation towards becoming a smart port.

The network, deployed by Altel Communications Sdn Bhd (Altel), covers the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) and Butterworth Deep Water Wharves (BDWW), spanning approximately 2.5 square kilometres.

Penang Port acting chief executive officer Fakhrul Azhar Tajudin said the network operates independently of the public commercial mobile network, with its 5G core and associated port applications hosted entirely within the port’s premises.

He said this gives the port operator greater control over network performance and operational data, while supporting data sovereignty, security and low-latency communications.

“The implementation of a private 5G network represents a significant strategic step in realising this vision, enabling the adoption of smart technologies, interconnected systems and progressive automation across the entire port ecosystem,” he said at the Penang Port Private 5G Launch ceremony at NBCT here today.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil officially launched the network, with Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, Ministry of Communications deputy secretary-general for Telecommunications Infrastructure V Mano, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali also in attendance.

Fakhrul Azhar said digital transformation was central to the port’s strategy to develop more efficient, resilient and future-ready operations.

The infrastructure is designed to support the future adoption of smart port technology, including autonomous prime movers, remote-controlled cranes and gantries, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled video analytics, and intelligent surveillance systems.

It can also support applications requiring high network availability and latency below 15 milliseconds.

Meanwhile, Altel Group Sdn Bhd group chief executive officer Dr Afizulazha Abdullah said enterprise digitalisation would increasingly depend on reliable connectivity infrastructure as automation, real-time applications and AI became more integral to operations.

He said private 5G, supported by dedicated spectrum, gives enterprises greater control over connectivity and enables them to develop digital capabilities tailored to their operational requirements.

“This is where private 5G, supported by dedicated spectrum, becomes increasingly relevant. It gives enterprises greater control over their connectivity and the ability to build digital capabilities around their specific operational requirements.

“Penang Port demonstrates how this approach can create the conditions for smarter operations and stronger business outcomes,” he added. — Bernama