BINTULU – Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) in collaboration with TM inaugurated a Private 5G network at the PETRONAS LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak – signalling further advancements in connectivity and efficiency for the energy industry.
The event was attended by Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo, Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Liwan Lagang, and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the nation’s 5G network provider.
Following the historic launch of Malaysia's first Private 5G network for enterprise at PETRONAS’ Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022, the new Bintulu location is one of four of PETRONAS’ sites installed with the technology.
The PETRONAS LNG Complex is one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in a single location with a production capacity of 29.8 million tonnes per annum, and deployment of the 5G network is expected to improve productivity and increase operational efficiency across critical production processes.
In his speech, Gobind Singh Deo emphasised the role of 5G technology in the energy sector transformation, saying, “5G is amongst the key technologies that is gaining importance in the energy sector. The technology, which offers ultra-high speed coupled with low latency communication between control hubs, production sites and vessels, helps to streamline the growing complexity in operational activities. Increased use of 5G-enabled intelligent systems such as industrial IoT, drones, robotics, extended reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI) enhances operational efficiency and safety.
“Energy companies around the world are racing to modernise their operations, and I applaud PETRONAS, TM and DNB for taking the lead in digitalising Malaysia’s energy sector.”
Meanwhile, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of LNG Assets Abang Yusuf 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, increase productivity by automating data collection, while enhancing safety across all levels.”
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO said, “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 on 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.
“Furthermore, this collaboration will further catalyse digital innovation and industry adoption which are key to ensure business resiliency in the future and this intent is also aligned with TM’s aspiration of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030,” he added.
Looking ahead, PETRONAS and TM aim to explore opportunities to transform the energy industry through potentially expanding the distribution of Private 5G networks to newer sites for greater integration and efficiency.
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