Melaka: All 14 Orang Asli villages in Melaka are set to receive free Wi-Fi services under the Melaka Digital initiative by the end of this year. This move is part of the state government's efforts to expand access to technology for the community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan mentioned that the state government allocated RM500,000 last year for the implementation of the initiative. This includes the installation of Wi-Fi facilities in five Orang Asli villages within the Asahan state constituency.
Among the locations that have been equipped with free Wi-Fi 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, the initiative involves seven locations in Machap Jaya, as well as one location each in Gadek and Taboh Naning, as detailed by Fairul Nizam during the launch of the Melaka Free Wi-Fi Service at the Kampung Orang Asli Solok Terentang hall, Jus.
The event was held in conjunction with the 'Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' (WRUR) programme for the Asahan state constituency, which occurred from April 3 to 11. It was organised by the Information and Communication Technology Division (BTMK) of the Melaka Chief Minister's Department.
Fairul Nizam further added that the provision of free Wi-Fi facilities is anticipated to benefit between 1,200 and 2,000 users among residents in Orang Asli settlements in the state. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide among rural communities and the group. The Melaka government has allocated RM450,000 this year 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 closely 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.