Penang Port launches Malaysia's first private 5G network for smart operations

Penang Port Sdn Bhd has become the first Malaysian port to deploy a private 5G network on dedicated spectrum, covering roughly 2.5 square kilometres of its North Butterworth Container Terminal and Butterworth Deep Water Wharves. The network, supplied by Altel Communications Sdn Bhd, runs independently of public mobile services, with its core and related applications housed on-site, allowing the port to manage performance, data sovereignty and security directly.

Acting CEO Fakhrul Azhar Tajudin highlighted that the infrastructure supports latency under 15 milliseconds, essential for future smart-port technologies such as autonomous prime movers, remote-controlled cranes, AI video analytics and intelligent surveillance. The launch was attended by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, MCMC managing director Abdul Karim Fakir Ali and other senior officials. Altel Group CEO Dr Afizulazha Abdullah noted that private 5G gives enterprises the flexibility to tailor connectivity to specific operational needs, positioning Penang Port as a model for digitally-enabled logistics.