You might not realize this but there are actually plenty of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) in Malaysia. However, not all operators are able to withstand the highly competitive telco market in Malaysia which means we would hear about the demise of local MVNOs from time to time and the latest in the list is FRiENDi Mobile Malaysia.
Launched back in 2013, FRiENDi Mobile Malaysia was operated by a company called Ceres Telecom which has major backing from Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa and Selangor’s state investment holding company, Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor (KPS). However, things didn’t go too well for the company last year.
During KPS’ AGM on 24 May 2018 (pdf), its Chairman at that time, Raja Idris Raja Kamarudin revealed that Virgin Mobile has pulled out its investment from Ceres Telecom. In just four months later on 29 October, KPS did the same as well (pdf) which we believe eventually lead to its imminent closure next month.
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As pointed by the notice on FRiENDi Mobile Malaysia’s website and Facebook page, FRiENDi Mobile customers out there might want to port out to other telcos before 9 August, so that you can still keep your existing number.
(Source: FRiENDi Mobile Malaysia – 1 / 2. Thanks for the tips, KevinNgTK!)
