PM launches Jaringan Prihatin as an initiative to tackle internet inequality

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin launched the Jaringan Prihatin programme today, an initiative for B40 households to gain access to internet data services or mobile devices.

Muhyiddin said the government would be funding a total of RM2 billion towards the initiative, while telecommunications companies and service providers will provide an additional RM1.5 billion in the form of free data.

Citing a survey by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), he said half of the people in the country had standard digital skills, while only 25% had advanced digital skills.

“In order to bridge the digital divide among the community, there is a need to ensure everyone has access to affordable devices and the required skills to leverage the internet by 2030,” he said in a virtual ceremony today.

First announced as part of the 2021 budget, Jaringan Prihatin is a collaboration between the finance ministry, communications and multimedia ministry as well as 12 telcos including big names like Celcom, Digi and Maxis.

Muhyiddin explained that the programme aimed to assist 8.4 million Bantuan Prihatin Rakyat recipients, in line with the government’s efforts to achieve inclusivity and empower Malaysians towards a digital economy post-pandemic.

“Lying at the centre of the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, digital inclusivity will continue to be the government’s main focus in creating a fairer and equitable Malaysia,” he said.

Interested applicants may register with the telco of their choice under Jaringan Prihatin from today to July 31. For more information, head to: https://belanjawan2021.treasury.gov.my/manfaat/index.php/bm/jaringanprihatin — Free Malaysia Today