Pedi: Mcmc’s swift Action Helps Felda Residents Continue Business As Usual

By Nursyabiha Sukri

SEREMBAN, July 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) quick action to activate a temporary Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) in Felda Palong 11 after the original centre was damaged by a storm has enabled residents to continue to get internet access.

Negeri Sembilan MCMC director Mohd Khairilnaim Osman said in realising PEDi’s importance to the local community, Gerakan Persatuan Wanita (GPW) Felda Palong 11 had offered a space in their building to be used as temporary PEDi.

“The state MCMC and telecommunication industry players have taken interim measures by providing basic facilities and it will be set up in stages so that the centre can operate as usual for the residents’ convenience.

“Among the facilities provided are Wi-Fi connection and 15 community tablets for those who do not own a device or computer,” he told Bernama here.

In addition, he said the ICT training and entrepreneurship classes and activities related to internet safety and protection planned for this year would be held as usual.

On June 25, PEDi in Felda Palong 11 suffered severe damage to parts of the building structure, roof, ceiling, floor as well as hardware and software equipment because of a storm.

The situation has caught the attention of Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who has channelled an immediate allocation of RM50,000 to repair the building, besides a RM50,000 allocation contributed by the Jempol MP’s Office.

Meanwhile, PEDI member Noor Shahrilafzan Abd Rahman, 39, said the temporary centre allows many residents, especially students and small traders like him to continue using the internet with no interruption.

He said just like city dwellers, Felda residents also want to stay updated with the latest technological advancements and make the most of the internet centre, equipped with high-speed connectivity and qualified teaching staff.

The herb seedlings entrepreneur said that taking part in entrepreneurship courses organised by PEDi has helped boost his income to four figures a month.

Noor Shahrilafzan, who had to leave his job at a local automobile company eight years ago due to slipped disc, said his product ‘Bungacempaka Agro’ is gaining popularity on social media.

“I am interested in agriculture and I specialise in selling herb tree seedlings. Initially, my customers were only locals and I was only making around RM800 a month in sales.

“However, after learning how to expand business on social media platforms, my income has increased further and I also got customers from Kedah, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. I also shared tips on how to plant tree seedlings in Telegram with customers,” he said.

The manager of PEDi Palong 11, Nur Syazeera Wahid said MCMC’s proactive action to activate the temporary digital centre allows Felda entrepreneurs to continue attending free courses.

“We provide entrepreneurship classes to help local entrepreneurs generate monthly income and guide them on how to market products online, namely Facebook and Shopee,” she said.

Currently, there are 51 PEDis throughout Negeri Sembilan with 19 of them established in Felda areas.

-- BERNAMA