Communications Ministry, MCMC To Further Explore Cooperation With Timor-Leste - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have been directed to further explore several areas of cooperation with Timor-Leste, including sharing Malaysia’s experience in rolling out the 5G network, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said this was the directive given by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim after the signing of two significant Memoranda of Understanding yesterday, aimed at broader collaboration between government agencies and institutions from both countries.

"We're looking at connectivity. There are certain things that the Prime Minister has asked my ministry and MCMC to look at. We will likely assess sharing experience of rolling out 5G," he told reporters at the International Media Centre after the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. 

Fahmi also said the Timor-Leste government shows interest in the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) of Malaysia initiative as well as subsea cables.

"From Oct 17, Malaysians who are travelling to Timor-Leste can get good ASEAN roaming packages, which were not available before.

“Malaysian and Timorese telecommunications companies are in discussions right now about having also better packages for data for travellers and tourists. So this is a very good first step," he said.

Fahmi also described Timor-Leste’s accession as the 11th member of ASEAN as a very historic moment, reflecting the growing ASEAN community.

He added that Malaysia is proud to host more than 2,900 media practitioners from around the world and hopes that the 47th ASEAN Summit will proceed well.

Earlier today, Anwar officiated at the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking the start of three days of high-level meetings under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025.

The ceremony, attended by ASEAN leaders, ministers and delegates, began with the playing of the ASEAN anthem and Anwar’s opening address as ASEAN Chair.

More than 30 heads of state and government, including those from the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, will participate in discussions on regional peace, economic resilience and inclusive growth under the chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

-- BERNAMA