KUCHING: An allocation of RM200 million from the state government for Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) to set up 150 sites for rural broadband network across the state will benefit the youth in Sarawak.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said this proves that the state government listens to the demands and aspirations of Sarawakian youth for better internet connectivity.
“Improvements on internet access throughout Sarawak have been requested by the youth in dialogue and townhall sessions, which were attended by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state Youth Minister.
“Their needs have been highlighted amid the Covid-19 pandemic where teaching and learning have moved online. This change has affected the youth in rural areas the most.
“Through the installation of the rural broadband network at 150 sites throughout Sarawak, it is hoped that it will bridge the rural-urban digital gap, ” he said.
Fazzrudin was commenting on the chief minister’s announcement pertaining to the improvement of rural internet connectivity by the state government during his working visit to Long Terawan today (Apr 6).
He also expressed his hopes for relevant government agencies to expedite the implementation of the rural broadband network as it is needed for total digitalisation statewide.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted mass adoption of information technology and digital economy in the daily lives of the people. This also gives rise to e-Commerce platforms for the locals to improve their own economy by selling their goods and produces online.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth deputy chief also urged the youth to take up new skills through online platforms with the improved internet connectivity.
“The internet, vast with information, can be used to learn new skills for them to improve themselves and start up their own businesses, leveraging on information technology to get better market reach and produce quality products,” he said.
