Petronas launches private 5G network at Petronas LNG Complex in Bintulu

KUCHING (Aug 10): Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), in collaboration with Telekom Malaysia (TM), inaugurated a private 5G network at the Petronas liquefied natural gas (LNG) Complex in Bintulu on Friday.

According to a press release, the launch signalled further advancements in connectivity and efficiency for the energy industry and was attended by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang and representatives of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB).

The new Bintulu location is among the four Petronas sites installed with this technology, following the historic launch at Petronas’ Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in 2022.

The Petronas LNG Compex is one of the world’s largest 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 said 5G is among the key technologies 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 streamline the growing complexity in operational activities.

“The increased use of 5G-enabled intelligent systems such as industrial Internet of Things (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,” he said.

Meanwhile, Petronas senior vice president of LNG Assets Abang Yusuf Abang Puteh said Petronas was 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 IoT, AI and automation will streamline workflows, increase productivity by automating data collection, while enhancing safety across all levels,” he said.

TM Group chief executive officer Amar Huzaimi Md Deris said the private 5G deployment was 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 said.

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.