BANGI – The Rural Development Ministry has urged that the implementation of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela) be accelerated in Orang Asli villages, Community Development Department (Kemas) schools, Mara junior science colleges, and rural villages.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the matter was brought up during a meeting between the ministry, the Orang Asli Development Department, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on July 8.
He said there is already digital access in Orang Asli villages, but internet connectivity is still low.
“I ask for the plan to be sped up using whatever methods, as long as the Kemas schools, Mara colleges, and rural areas can get connectivity,” he said in a press conference after an award presentation ceremony to honour outstanding Orang Asli students here today.
On the challenges of implementing Jendela in rural areas, Mahdzir said it involves state governments as the main stakeholders, in addition to the local authorities of the respective states, adding that the ministry will collaborate with the MCMC and state governments.
Jendela aims to provide broader coverage and a better broadband quality experience for the people as the country prepares to shift to 5G, which will be implemented in stages from 2020 to 2022 (Phase One) and 2022 to 2025 (Phase Two). – Bernama, July 15, 2022
