Malaysian telco, Telekom Malaysia (TM), and energy company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), have launched a private 5G network at the PETRONAS LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak, marking a significant step forward in connectivity and efficiency for the energy sector.
Building on the launch of Malaysia's first private 5G network for enterprises at PETRONAS’ Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022, the new 5G network at the Bintulu site is one of four PETRONAS locations equipped with this technology.
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5G and Energy Converge
The PETRONAS LNG Complex, one of the largest single-site liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants globally, with a production capacity of 29.8 million tonnes per year, will utilize the 5G network to enhance productivity and operational efficiency across key production processes.
Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, highlighted the transformative impact of 5G technology on the energy sector. He noted that 5G is becoming increasingly important due to its ultra-high speed and low latency, which facilitate efficient communication between control hubs, production sites, and vessels.
He also pointed out that the technology helps manage the complexity of operations and boosts efficiency and safety through its integration with intelligent systems such as industrial IoT, drones, robotics, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI). He commended PETRONAS, TM, and DNB for leading the digitalization of Malaysia’s energy sector, noting that energy companies globally are striving to modernize their operations.
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Becoming a Digital Powerhouse
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of LNG Assets, Abang Yusuf bin Abang Puteh, said, “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 the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation will streamline workflows [and] increase productivity by automating data collection, while enhancing safety across all levels.”
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO, stated, “This private 5G deployment is the next phase in TM and PETRONAS’ long-standing partnership to future-proof its businesses for a sustainable future. Leveraging advanced technologies like AI, the enterprise 5G application is expected to yield optimum operational efficiencies for its highly-secure, reliable connection, real-time monitoring and analytics as well as remote maintenance."
He added that the collaboration is expected to drive digital innovation and industry adoption, which are crucial for ensuring future business resilience. This goal aligns with TM’s aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.
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