A while back, the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) implemented an initiative, the 1Malaysia Internet centre, to encourage ICT use to create a knowledge-based society, enhancing the development of human capital and the socioeconomic system and closing the gap between urban and rural communities in terms of digital access.
This new project sounds awfully similar to what MCMC did back in 2007. Is this a rebranding? Has MCMC forgotten about the 1Malaysia initiative?
In a news report by The Star, Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa, says the ministry wants to see at least one Family Digital Economy Centres (PEDi) community Internet centre in every state constituency.
There are presently 911 such facilities operating around the country that offer Internet connectivity as well as basic digital skills training to the local population, particularly in rural regions. The government has allotted RM200 million for the initiative in order to construct more centres.
More than 1.2 million people have used the current centres nationwide, according to Annuar, who added that the installation of new ones will increase community access to the Internet.
Apart from providing access to Internet facilities, there will also be devices for the people to take home… wireless network facilities will also be expanded.
Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa
Annuar added he hopes to see more young people, especially those from rural areas, will take part in the digital economy.
We hope this initiative will open up more rooms for young people to venture into business using the facilities available on the e-commerce platform.
Communications and Multimedia Minister, Tan Sri Annuar Musa