14 Orang Asli Villages In Melaka To Receive Free Wi-Fi By Year-end

JASIN, April 7 (Bernama) -- All 14 Orang Asli villages in Melaka will receive free Wi-Fi services under the Melaka Digital initiative by the end of this year, as part of the state government’s efforts to expand access to technology for the community.

State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan said the state government allocated RM500,000 last year for the implementation of the initiative, including the installation of Wi-Fi facilities in five Orang Asli villages in the Asahan state constituency.

“Among the locations that have been equipped with free WiFi facilities are Orang Asli villages in Solok Terentang, Kampung Gapam Baru, Kampung Air Sialang, Kampung Bukit Seraya and Kampung Lubuk Bandung.

“For this year’s implementation, it involves seven locations in Machap Jaya, as well as one location each in Gadek and Taboh Naning,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the Melaka Free Wi-Fi Service at the Kampung Orang Asli Solok Terentang hall, Jus, here today.

The event was held in conjunction with the ‘Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat’ (WRUR) programme for the Asahan state constituency, which runs from April 3 to 11, organised by the Information and Communication Technology Division (BTMK) of the Melaka Chief Minister’s Department.

Fairul Nizam added that the provision of free Wi-Fi facilities is expected to benefit between 1,200 and 2,000 users among residents in Orang Asli settlements in the state, thereby helping to bridge the digital divide among rural communities and the group.

He said that for this year, the Melaka government has allocated RM450,000 to further expand the service coverage, including to nine Orang Asli villages and several other locations such as educational institutions, including JAIM Arabic schools under the state government’s administration.

“The implementation of this initiative is being monitored by the relevant authorities to ensure all identified locations receive the facilities.

“The state government will continue its efforts to ensure all citizens have access to digital facilities in line with the Melaka Digital agenda,” he said.

-- BERNAMA