On October 13, 2020, the Malaysian Government announced the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan or JENDELA under the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (2021 – 2025) to enhance digital connectivity and the quality of experience for communications network across the country. In an effort to improve the existing 4G network and to ensure the foundation for 5G network, the 3G network in Malaysia will be phased out by the end of 2021.
According to the announcement, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has instructed to stop the issuance of approval and renewal of 3G-only device and 4G-capable mobile phones without Voice over LTE (VoLTE) starting from January 1, 2021 :
1. Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
• For new issuance and renewal of Compliance Approval & Special Approval
• For registration of IMEI number and product serial number under Self-labelling Program (SLP)
2. Certificate of Approval (CoA)(Import Permit for Malaysian Royal Customs (JKDM) clearance purpose).
Description and examples of affected devices are as follows:
• 3G-only devices: Any type of devices that utilize 3G (IMT-2000) technology only for example 3G mobile phone, 3G vehicle tracker, 3G smart meter etc.
• 4G-capable mobile phones without VoLTE: Any mobile phones that utilize 4G (LTE) technology but does not support VoLTE*.
*VoLTE – Feature that enables voice calls over 4G network.
Important note, for Certificate Holders of 4G-capable mobile phones, SIRIM will provide a form for you to declare if a certain model supports VoLTE or not. If the model supports VoLTE, the certificate will remain valid. For models without VoLTE, the Certificate Holders will no longer able to renew affected certificates, their certificates shall be invalid and importation is prohibited starting January 1, 2021.
Please contact iCertifi for more details on the Malaysia 3G certification update.