Malaysia 5G Radio Access Network

Malaysia’s nationwide 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) upgrade and expansion program offers a strategic opportunity for U.S. cybersecurity companies to secure Malaysia’s critical telecommunications infrastructure. The program includes capacity upgrades and coverage expansion, requiring advanced security solutions to ensure network resilience, safeguard sensitive data, and compliance with regulatory standards. U.S. cybersecurity firms can embed trusted, high-value cybersecurity capabilities to ensure network resilience, protect sensitive data, and position themselves as long-term partners.

The capacity upgrade will use the 3.3–3.4 GHz spectrum to expand 5G coverage across 80 percent of populated areas.  This phase will introduce multi-vendor complexity and increased cyber risks such as unauthorized access and inter-vendor interference. U.S. companies can provide zero-trust frameworks, AI-driven threat detection, secure Open RAN architectures, and real-time monitoring. The coverage expansion phase will extend 5G services to 90 percent of populated areas and will require secure-by-design RAN solutions, encrypted communications, identity and access management, and continuous vulnerability assessments to maintain high service quality.

Cybersecurity is also critical for operational support and program management. Managed security services, security operations centers (SOCs), and AI-powered monitoring from U.S. providers can help Malaysian operators reduce operational risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain reliable network performance. Collectively, these needs create strong prospects for U.S. companies to support Malaysia’s 5G RAN rollout while establishing durable commercial and government partnerships.

If you represent a U.S. company interested in exploring opportunities in Malaysia, please contact Commercial Specialist Kisok Kumar at office.kualalumpur@trade.gov.