INTERNET ACCESS PENETRATION RATE FOR B40 GROUP ENCOURAGING - MCMC

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12  – The current Internet access penetration rate among B40 families is at an encouraging level, said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

It said in a statement today that based on an Internet usage study conducted this year, 95.4 per cent of individuals with incomes of between RM1,000 and RM3,000 had Internet subscription, while the subscription rate for those earning less than RM1,000 was 82.2 per cent.

“The challenge that requires attention is the capability to subscribe to data packages, especially for the B40 group earning less than RM1,000 monthly, to help their school-going children complete their assignments at home during the nationwide school closure following the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

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“As a measure to overcome the challenge, the government had suggested during the tabling of Budget 2021 an allocation of telecommunication credit worth RM180 per person (RM15 monthly) or a smart gadget assistance of RM180 to the B40 group,” the statement said.

According to the MCMC, telecommunication companies have also prepared data top-ups or rebates worth RM180, but subject to the packages’ terms and conditions.

“The telecommunication companies will continue with the daily 1GB free data programme until the end of this year to allow access to certain websites, including those related to learning.

“Facilities to access the Internet for communities in cities, suburbs and rural areas, especially for students, have been improved through 873 Community Internet Centres run by the MCMC nationwide,” it added.

Regarding coverage in cities, suburbs and rural areas, MCMC said infrastructure construction and improvement projects under the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative, which is expected to be completed by 2023, is in full swing.

“With the implementation of JENDELA, it will provide 4G coverage to an estimated 96.9 per cent of populated areas from the current 91.8 per cent, and will also increase the average 4G speed to 30Mbps from the current 25Mbps,” it read.

According to the statement, JENDELA’s first quarter target report will be tabled in mid-December.

-- BERNAMA