Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has secured RM5.2 billion in Islamic financing to strengthen its financial position and support its future growth.
The company said the financing will replace its previous Government Guarantee Revolving Credit Facility, which expired on Sept 29, 2026, while providing longer-term funding. DNB described it as the largest syndicated financing arranged for an unlisted company in Malaysia.
The financing comes as DNB prepares to move from government-backed ownership to equal ownership by three mobile network operators (MNOs): CelcomDigi Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd and YTL Power International Bhd. The transition is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Under the new arrangement, Minister of Finance Inc will exit as an ordinary shareholder but retain a special share to protect national interests and oversee key strategic matters.
DNB also announced that it has secured the full 100MHz of the 3.3GHz to 3.4GHz spectrum band and converted its entire 240MHz spectrum holding into a spectrum assignment, effective Oct 1, 2026.
The expanded spectrum is expected to improve network capacity, efficiency and performance while supporting advanced technologies such as 5G Advanced, massive MIMO and AI-powered network capabilities.
DNB chief executive officer Datuk Azman Ismail said the financing would allow the company to operate independently, continue upgrading its network and expand capacity.
Established in March 2021, DNB was set up to accelerate Malaysia’s 5G rollout and serve as the country’s wholesale 5G network provider.
In 2023, the government announced plans to introduce a second 5G network. U Mobile Sdn Bhd was selected to develop the network in November 2024 and officially left DNB’s network on June 30, 2026.
Maybank Investment Bank Bhd led the financing arrangement, supported by AmInvestment Bank, CIMB Islamic Bank, RHB Islamic Bank and United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd. AmInvestment Bank also served as DNB’s financial adviser.
