PETRONAS today launched the first private 5G network in Malaysia. It is located at the Sungai Udang Regasification Terminal facility (RGTSU) in Melaka. The project using 5G has been started PETRONAS has been started since 2019 with it undergoing the concept verification process at the PETRONAS Institute of Petroleum Technology (INSTEP) in Kuala Terengganu in 2020.
This PETRONAS private 5G network development project received assistance from MCMC, DNB and also Telekom Malaysia. Through it, PETRONAS uses fast 5G speeds with low latency to control Internet of Things equipment, automation and artificial intelligence.
According to PETRONAS since using 5G at RGSU, the need to collect data can be reduced by up to 50% because it can be done remotely. This also reduces fuel consumption in the facility because vehicles are not needed to perform the data collection process. 5G can also improve operational security due to the ability to provide warnings and monitor dangerous areas in real time.
PETRONAS said their three other facilities in Sarawak, Terengganu and Melaka will also be available with 5G capabilities in the near future. Their target is that 10 of their onshore facilities and 20 of their offshore facilities will be equipped with 5G after 2024.