5G Application Tests Via eMooVit Autonomous Bus Passenger Trails Starting Sept 23

Malaysia is gearing up to showcase one of its key 40 use cases of 5G innovations starting with the autonomous bus initiative. This is also part of the country’s preparations to host the ASEAN chairmanship next year.

This was announced by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo who, alongside Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook and eMooVit CEO Dr. Hairi Zamzuri, recently witnessed the technology demonstration.

The initiative is a collaboration between Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), Malaysia's 5G network provider, Ericsson, and local autonomous vehicle developer eMooVit Technology Sdn Bhd - a subsidiary of Yinson Group.

For those who aren’t aware, Yinson Group is also behind the Handal Group where its subsidiary Handal Ceria recently also secured the contract to produce and supply the new EV number plates that will eventually be applied in other vehicles too.

Gobind highlighted that integrating 5G technology into autonomous public transport would elevate user safety and connectivity, aligning with the government’s vision to drive Malaysia toward a fully digital economy.

This initiative followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in May 2024. This collaboration has focused on proof-of-concept (POC) trials, including 5G-enabled in-vehicle public wi-fi, real-time vehicle monitoring, and journey log collection.

During the trials, autonomous buses had covered 1,000 KM. Once commercialised, these use cases will include CCTV monitoring and real-time telemetry data. Additionally, future trials will explore integrating autonomous buses with smart city infrastructure and using 5G remote driving in emergency situations.

Gobind said, "But for this to be feasible, autonomous cars need strong 5G connectivity, and Malaysia has a strong 5G infrastructure that, as of the end of Aug, covered 82% of populated areas."

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, meanwhile, emphasised the significance of changing the law to facilitate autonomous cars. He disclosed that efforts are underway to alter the Road Transport Act in order to make autonomous bus deployment easier.

"We need to think ahead, since transportation could change significantly over the next ten to twenty years," said Loke as he highlighted the significance of researching global regulations pertaining to autonomous vehicles.

Dr Hairi Zamzuri, CEO of eMooVit, has stated that the autonomous bus service's passenger trials would start in Putrajaya on Sept 23.