Malaysian telecommunications company Telekom Malaysia (TM) and energy giant Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) have launched a private 5G network at the PETRONAS LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak. This marks a significant advancement in connectivity and operational efficiency for the energy sector. 

Following the success of Malaysia's first private 5G network at the PETRONAS Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022, the Bintulu installation is now one of four PETRONAS sites equipped with this cutting-edge technology. The PETRONAS LNG Complex, which ranks among the largest single-site liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities worldwide with a production capacity of 29.8 million tonnes per year, will leverage the 5G network to boost productivity and streamline key production processes.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized the transformative impact of 5G technology on the energy sector. He highlighted that 5G's ultra-high speed and low latency are crucial for facilitating efficient communication between control hubs, production sites, and vessels. Additionally, the technology's integration with intelligent systems, such as industrial IoT, drones, robotics, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI), enhances operational complexity management, efficiency, and safety. Minister Deo praised PETRONAS, TM, and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) for pioneering the digitalization of Malaysia’s energy sector, acknowledging that energy companies globally are modernizing their operations.

Abang Yusuf bin Abang Puteh, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of LNG Assets, stated, "PETRONAS is positioning itself at the forefront of the global technological race while meeting the evolving demands of the energy landscape. The integration of 5G with IoT, AI, and automation will streamline workflows, increase productivity by automating data collection, and enhance safety across all levels."

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Group CEO of TM, expressed that the private 5G deployment represents the next phase in the long-standing partnership between TM and PETRONAS to future-proof their businesses. "By leveraging advanced technologies like AI, the enterprise 5G application is expected to deliver optimum operational efficiencies through secure, reliable connections, real-time monitoring and analytics, and remote maintenance," he said. 

He added that this collaboration is set to drive digital innovation and industry adoption, which are essential for ensuring future business resilience. This initiative aligns with TM’s aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.