PUTRAJAYA – As many as 195,028 data plans and 3,773 devices have been distributed to tertiary students from the B40 category since the package was launched on October 30 last year, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
She said the ministry is also in the process of procuring 3,997 laptops and desktops to be distributed to students.
The initiative involving data plans and devices is aimed at getting the best offers from companies.
The data plan packages offered are Celcom EL30 (RM30), Celcom XPAX 35 (RM35), Maxis Hotlink (RM30/RM40/RM50), Digi (RM28/RM35), Unifi Mobile post-paid (RM59) and Unifi Mobile prepaid (RM35).
As for the devices, the suppliers include Acer, which is running its Student Purchase Programme.
The ministry is offering a discount of between 5% and 7% on selected products.
“Internet access is critical to ensure students enjoy conducive online teaching and learning sessions,” said Noraini, stressing that the ministry is committed to ensuring students are able to access the internet to continue their education.
She said the ministry has also held discussions with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for another loan initiative under the BSN MyRinggit-i Comsis Scheme for the purchase of laptops by university students.
The ministry, via the Student Volunteers Foundation, has launched a crowdfunding initiative through Tabung Prihatin Siswa, where the public can channel contributions to allow students to continue their online learning unimpeded.
Those who want to donate can do so to the Maybank account no. 566010622566, or at www.billplz.com/tabungsiswa. – Bernama, January 26, 2021
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