Salutations:

1. YB Tuan Anthony Loke Minister of Transport

2. YBhg. Dato' Jana Santhiran Muniayan Secretary General, Ministry of Transport

3. YBhg. Tuan Fabian Bigar Secretary General, Ministry of Digital

4. YBhg. Datuk Aedy Fadly Bin Ramli Director General, Road Transport Department (JPJ)

5. YBhg. Datuk Ahmad Zaki Zahid Chief Strategy Officer, Digital Nasional Berhad

6. Dr. Hairi Zamzuri Chief Executive Officer, eMooVit

7. Mr. David Hägerbro President of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

Distinguished guests,

Members of the media,

Ladies & gentlemen.

Good Afternoon and Salam Malaysia Madani.

1. I’d like to start by expressing my gratitude to Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), eMooVit and Ericsson, for organising this event, to experience the application of 5G in use cases that would enhance the development and deployment of autonomous buses in Malaysia.

2. I would also like to thank YB Anthony Loke for joining us today. I believe our two ministries share a common vision for a Digital Malaysia – one that includes a modern transportation landscape powered by next-generation vehicles that are safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

3. This is a great example of the Whole of Government approach. I’ve said this before, digital initiatives cut across ministries, and agencies. Today’s programme sees interest from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Digital. There will be other programmes that will see the commitment and contributions from not one, not two but more ministries. The end goal is to provide people-oriented services that focus on meeting the needs of the people. Such an approach will surely speed up our work to turn Malaysia into a digital nation.

4. I look forward to riding the eMooVit bus again. I visited eMooVit’s headquarters at Cyberjaya in May 2024, and had first-hand experience of how 5G technology is making autonomous vehicles safer and smarter. I believe some of our media friends here have already been on the bus this morning, and I am sure it has transformed your perception about public transportation, as it did for me.

5. Autonomous public transportation is being trialled and deployed in many cities across the globe, from Shanghai to Hamburg. In May 2024, the UK introduced the Automated Vehicles Act where we will see self-driving vehicles on its roads by 2026.

6. Now, we’re seeing the same technology being developed in Malaysia by a Malaysian company. Each autonomous vehicle’s system is customised to the road and traffic conditions, passenger demands and local laws.

7. Good 5G connectivity is the enabler for autonomous vehicles. Malaysia already has the necessary infrastructure to ensure the reliable deployment of them with the current network serving as the backbone.

8. I’m happy to see eMooVit, and its team of brilliant local talents, leading the charge in autonomous vehicle development in Malaysia. And of course, I am pleased to have DNB, an agency under the Ministry of Digital, and its strategic partner Ericsson, enabling eMooVit to leverage 5G technology to accelerate the development of the autonomous bus.

9. The autonomous public mobility system brings several key benefits to the operator and the community. The autonomous bus uses a combination of sensors, cameras, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), which can ‘see’ traffic, cyclists and other obstacles in all directions. This data is processed in real-time using AI algorithms to make decisions about navigation, obstacle avoidance, and route planning, making the journey safer and more efficient.

10. This data can also provide information such as the volume of passengers in a specific area, and even the number of cyclists or pedestrians at certain parts of the route. This will enable the local council to build bigger bus stops, or create safer bicycle lanes or walkways. The data will also help the state and federal governments create policies that can help enhance the commuter experience.”

11. The integration of 5G in autonomous transportation improves the safety element even more – it enables real-time communication between vehicles and control centres. Faster communication results in better response times to potential hazards, even allowing for remote driving from the control centre, in case of an emergency.

12. Real-time data exchange, thanks to 5G’s ultra-low latency, can optimise routes and reduce traffic congestion. What this means is that bus services can be more reliable and punctual.

13. 5G will also enhance passenger experience, by supporting infotainment systems and other passenger services such as broadband internet connectivity, and 5G-enabled CCTVs. This increases safety and provides comfort to passengers, thus boosting overall customer experience.

14. This is in line with the MADANI Government’s efforts to transform Malaysia into a digital nation, where digital technology such as 5G can significantly improve public services, businesses as well as communities.

Ladies & gentlemen,

15. Malaysia’s 5G network deployed by DNB now covers 82% of populated areas as of end-August. It has been globally recognised as one of the best in the region and the world.

16. I am pleased to see a growing number of Malaysian enterprises – from large multinational corporations to SMEs – recognising how 5G can enable a range of digital solutions to boost productivity, operational efficiency, and safety across key production processes.

17. We are observing the deployment and development of private 5G networks, which include proof-of-concept (POC) trials in sectors such as oil & gas, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics.

18. As the enabler of 5G capabilities, DNB will continue to actively promote the adoption of 5G technology among enterprises, through partnerships with industry associations, and international technology and telecommunications companies.

19. At the same time, the Government is ensuring the resilience of Malaysia’s 5G network and assets through cyber security and data protection policy developments, as well as strategic collaborations between organisations in the digital sphere.

20. This ongoing effort to accelerate 5G adoption among various enterprises is crucial for Malaysia’s digital transformation. It positions Malaysia as a leader in 5G and strengthens our hold on digital-related investments and benefits in the region. In fact, the adoption of 5G in this autonomous bus initiative is part of the 40 5G use cases that the Ministry of Digital will be showcasing during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025.

21. Congratulations and well done to everyone at eMooVit, DNB and Ericsson, for this successful collaboration. This will not only result in accelerated deployment of the autonomous bus service in Malaysia, but also inspire other enterprises to leverage our 5G network, to take their business to the next level, and build a better, more robust and more resilient Digital Malaysia.

Thank you. -END-