KUALA LUMPUR – The government and telecommunications companies (telcos) have agreed to extend the operating hours of 54 community internet centres (PIKs) at People’s Housing Scheme developments (PPR) nationwide, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
MCMC in a statement today said the move involved 17 PIKs in the Federal Territories and 37 in other states to facilitate internet access to students and those in the B40 group who live in these areas, following the announcement of the Malaysian Economic and People’s Protection Assistance Package (Permai), recently.
“The PIKs have been open from 9am to 9pm daily except for public holidays since January 8 and the new operating hours will continue until the end of April.
“It is hoped this step will help households and students, especially those sitting the 2021 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) to follow lessons and undertake daily tasks online at affordable rates and in a comfortable environment at the PIKs,” MCMC said.
Apart from this, MCMC said 130 PPR nationwide have been identified to receive free Wi-Fi access, which will be provided by the main telco players.
“So far, free Wi-Fi is available at 121 PPR while the other nine are expected come onboard on February 5.
“The step was taken encourage PPR residents to use online platforms to facilitate economic activity, be alert to current developments, and improve their skills,” the commission said.
In wake of the facilities and privileges provided, MCMC said the commission and telcos hope PPR residents, students, and the people as a whole benefit in terms of academic achievement and generation of supplementary income via online business activities.
“This initiative is part of MCMC’s efforts to narrow the digital gap so the less fortunate are not left out of development in terms of digital technology,” it added.
MCMC also announced that the provision of free 1GB data daily that started in April last year will be extended until the end of April this year, with the cost for this year exceeding RM500 million.
The main telcos are also offering special subscription packages to students who will be sitting for the SPM, STPM and students of higher learning institutions, that were implemented since January 6 and will be available till April, where a data pass for 15GB is priced as low as RM20 a month.
They also provide free tuition classes online like Tuisyen Rakyat by Celcom, Jom Tuisyen (Digi), e-Kelas (Maxis) and I-Learn Ace (Telekom Malaysia) while YTL Communications Sdn Bhd is extending its Learn From Home (LFH) initiative until April 30, which also encompasses IPT students, the statement said. – Bernama, January 30, 2021
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