Smartphone subsidy open to B40 folk in Bukit Gasing

RESIDENTS in the B40 group in the Bukit Gasing constituency in Petaling Jaya are invited to apply for a smartphone subsidy offered by the Bukit Gasing assemblyman’s office.

The applicant pays only RM100 for a phone, with the remainder subsidised by the assemblyman’s office.

“We are looking at smartphones within the RM300 to RM350 per unit price range,” said Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran at a press conference to announce details of the subsidy.

“They will be new smartphones with warranties. These devices are not fancy, but enough to cover basic functions and instal apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Grab.

“Applications will be filtered on a case by case basis, based on income and family background. Applicants will be screened individually.

“This subsidy is strictly for Bukit Gasing residents only.”

He said the subsidy was targeted particularly at senior citizens in the B40 group without smartphones or outdated mobile phones.

Application for the subsidy is open now.

Family members, friends or neighbours can also nominate names and assist the application.

“This is an initiative to bridge the gap between the digitally connected and not connected,” said Rajiv.

“I’ve seen cases where people needed smartphones but couldn’t afford them, so they had to do things in person or use manual methods.

“For instance, one woman had to collect food aid from our office herself because she didn’t have enough money to get a phone and couldn’t call or send a message for help.”

Rajiv observed that seniors who were not digitally connected were missing out on online or app-based transactions, such as online banking, e-wallet and parking payment.

They are also socially disconnected because they miss out on updates and messages posted in family chat groups, he said.

“That is why I started a smartphone class last month.

“The turnout was encouraging and the participants were keen to learn the basics,” he said.

The next classes are tomorrow and on Nov 24, from 10am to noon, at MBPJ Balairaya Seksyen 17/1, Jalan 17/1A, Petaling Jaya.

Registration is free and open to all, including those residing outside Bukit Gasing.

To apply for the subsidy or to register for the smartphone class, call 011-7297 3810 (WhatsApp).

Those without smartphones can apply for the subsidy via walk-in at Rajiv’s office at Pejabat ADUN Bukit Gasing, 7A, Jalan 52/8, Bandar Baru Petaling Jaya, Petaling Jaya.

It is open from 10am to 5pm, from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). Smartphone classes, which will be held tomorrow and on Nov 24, are open to all, including those residing outside Bukit Gasing.