DNB advocates 5G technology amongst farming community

• Initiative aims to enhance livelihoods, jobs, and food security
• Programme seeks to help farmers use 5G for precision farming & cost savings

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) has organised a 5G awareness programme for the farming community in Bentong, Pahang, as part of its ongoing efforts to drive enterprise adoption of 5G technology in Malaysia.

The “Jelajah Digital – 5G-Enabled AgriTech” programme, officiated by the minister of digital, Gobind Singh Deo, and attended by Young Syefura Othman, member of parliament for Bentong, and Azman Ismail, CEO of Digital Nasional Berhad, aimed to raise awareness of 5G technology and its applications in the agriculture sector.

In a statement, DNB said the programme seeks to encourage farmers to leverage 5G to enhance precision agriculture practices, reduce operational costs, and boost productivity through automation and AI-enabled solutions. This initiative is expected to improve farmers’ livelihoods while generating high-value jobs and business opportunities, contributing to overall food security.

Among the key benefits of 5G is its ability to support a vast number of connected devices simultaneously with low latency and high-speed data transfer. Sensors placed across vegetable or fruit fields can monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels in real-time, enabling data-driven decisions that optimise crop yields and reduce waste, DNB said.

The event featured experts from the technology sector who shared insights and experiences in implementing 5G-powered digital solutions for agriculture.

In his speech, Gobind urged the local agriculture sector to take advantage of 5G connectivity and government support to enhance operations. “Farmers in Bentong can use 5G technology to improve efficiency and increase crop yields. With smart farming solutions, vegetable and durian plantation owners can minimise resource wastage, lower costs, and make better decisions in assessing risks, ultimately boosting yields.”

Echoing the minister’s sentiments, Azman Ismail said, “Through this programme, farmers can see real-world examples of how 5G technology is transforming agriculture globally. For instance, 5G-enabled drones are being used to monitor crop health and detect pest infestations early. These drones cover large areas quickly, providing detailed images and data that help farmers take timely action to protect their crops. 5G is also enabling automated irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water use only when needed.”

DNB reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders, including government agencies, telcos, local authorities, community leaders, and technology providers, to ensure the benefits of 5G are accessible to all communities, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for Malaysians.