KUALA LUMPUR: Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has been told to give a detailed briefing to MPs on the nation's 5G rollout, said Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

       "I had a meeting with DNB last week and I have ordered them to engage the MPs.

       "I will follow up on this so that a detailed explanation is given to both backbenchers and Opposition MPs.

       "This is because I feel that the issue needs to be managed in a transparent manner as DNB has been tasked to implement the 5G rollout.

       "I will see that this is done as soon as possible," the Communications and Multimedia Minister said when wrapping up his ministerial replies on Budget 2022 in Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 17).

       Annuar said he ordered DNB to organise the briefing for MPs as he was aware that there had been a lot of debate on the 5G rollout, both in and outside of Parliament.

       He also detailed the cost of the national 5G project as there were differing figures mentioned by MPs, including Opposition chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PH-Port Dickson).

       He said several Opposition MPs had claimed that the costs for the project ranged from RM11bil to RM20bil.

       "The initial cost of RM11bil was based on a successful tender by Ericsson.

       "There are other costs involved and the entire project will cost RM16.5bil.

       "That is why I have asked DNB to provide a detailed explanation to MPs to avoid further confusion," said Annuar.

       He also said DNB had assured that 60% of the 5G project would be given to local bumiputra and government-linked companies.

       On a separate matter, Annuar said that he proposed to the Finance Ministry to set up a committee to look into the technical specifications of free laptops distributed to students and undergraduates under the B40 group.

       "Based on my own personal survey which I carried out randomly, some undergraduates said they were unhappy.

       "They expressed doubt if the tablets can be used by those studying architecture or engineering.

       "To avoid wastage from happening again and to protect the integrity of government procurement, I have proposed to the Finance Ministry that a committee is set up to look at the technical specifications of the tablets before implementation," he said.

       Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Ind-Muar) claimed that some students claimed they were unable to fully utilise their free laptops owing to low specifications.