IN A lively classroom at the Touch Centre in SS2, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, a familiar scenario is unfolding: a group of older participants huddled with young volunteers, their initial hesitation melting away into a chorus of murmurs, bursts of laughter, and eager questions.
This vibrant exchange is the heart of a crucial effort by local assemblymen to bridge the “grey digital gap” – a chasm that leaves seniors vulnerable to scams and social isolation.
For many, this newfound digital courage is a necessity.
Tham Ah Seng, 76, decided to join the SS2 “Digital Literacy” programme, organised by the Kampung Tunku assemblyman’s office, specifically to fight his fear of cybercrime.
SS2 digital literacy classes for senior citizens prioritise everyday uses such as WhatsApp, ride hailing, food delivery as well as financial and government services.
During his 31 years as a government officer, he said they had no choice but to learn through the changes.
“From typewriter to computer in the later part of my service, we had to find our way.
“Since then, I continue to learn alongside the advancement of technology.
“Now, not only am I able to use basic smartphone features, I am also able to maximise smartphone usage,” he said.
Senior citizens of Bukit Gasing and other areas of Selangor during digital literacy class held every Wednesday from 10 am to 12pm at MBPJ Balairaya Seksyen 17/1 by Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran .—LOW BOON TAT/The Star
Real risk
A 2024 study by Akademika found that while elderly Malaysians are increasingly using digital technology, they remain highly vulnerable to online scams and repeated cyber victimisation.
Those aged 75 and above suffer greater risks of financial loss and mental health issues, underscoring a severe gap in protective education.
But digital literacy programmes do more than just help senior citizens become more aware of cybercrimes; they are a valuable tool in helping the elderly access government services, news and other apps.
Reclaiming independence
For Connie Wang, 73, and her husband, Chan Heng Peng, 76, the programme was a pathway to independence.
“We have been attending since the basic classes began.
“Before this, we always had to rely on our son who had set everything up on our phones, but we realised that he wouldn’t always be around,” said Wang.
Lim says with Malaysia entering the aged nation stage, there should be more digital literacy initiatives for seniors citizens.
She laughingly recalled one instance when she mistakenly booked a large six-seater Grab car for herself because she didn’t know the options.
Beyond convenience, the couple found the classes essential for navigating public life, especially regarding news and finance.
“We wanted to be able to keep up with current news,” Chan said, emphasising the need to be updated as many news outlets operate online.
Participants huddle around a volunteer during the SS2 senior citizens digital literacy class at Touch Centre in SS2, Petaling Jaya. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS, LOW BOON TAT and ADANI ZAIDI/The Star
“We have also learned the importance of fact-checking. We sometimes receive news that has gone viral, but now we know not to simply forward these messages,” he said.
“Instead of falling into this ‘scam,’ we now know how to determine what is true and what isn’t,” he added.
Wang noted too the practical need to manage the cashless economy.
“Nowadays when everything is cashless as well, we have to know how to use e-wallet or bank transfers. Knowing how to use smartphones will also help us safeguard our money,” she said.
For Chan, the digital skills have enabled easy access to services: “Viewing my health and clinic records becomes easier and accessible. It has also become easier to book all sorts of appointments, from government-related appointments to clinics and hospitals.”
Rajiv says the initiative is sparked by the feeling of exclusion the elderly experienced, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Spotting scams
The most critical skill gained by many seniors is robust cybersecurity awareness.
Micheal Hua, 83, has seen scams affect his own family and has been cautious after receiving countless suspicious calls, sometimes from as far as Nigeria and Australia.
After attending a digital literacy class organised by the Bukit Gasing assemblyman’s office at MBPJ hall in Section 17, he feels much better equipped.
“I now know how to spot scams better and become more aware of their tricks,” Hua shared.
Wang (right) and Chan navigating an app during the class.
“Scammers pretend to be from banks, insurance companies and even the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia.
“The problem is their details sound so convincing, it is easy for people to fall into their trap.”
For Hua, the class not only provided protection but also gave him newfound confidence.
“I am grateful for this class. It has given me assurance and opened up a whole new world for me.
“Besides avoiding scams, I can now use smartphone applications with ease, especially e-wallets and those for ride hailing and food delivery,” he added.
Community Initiative
The commitment from elected representatives underscores the vital need for these community-based programmes.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei said with Malaysia entering the aged nation stage, senior citizens were a natural first group for digital literacy initiatives.
Micheal Hua, 83 who attended the digital literacy class byBukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran every Wednesday from 10 am to 12pm at MBPJ Balairaya Seksyen 17/1.—LOW BOON TAT/The Star
“We are often sold the benefits of technological innovation, but senior citizens often get left behind,” she said.
She explained their programmes prioritised everyday uses – like WhatsApp, ride hailing, food delivery, financial and government services – to lessen the prevalence of fake news, rage bait, and incidents of seniors being scammed.
The programme, conducted by Lim’s interns, had been organised three times since August.
Separately, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran has been running similar classes for two years.
He said the initiative was sparked by the feeling of exclusion senior citizens experienced, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“From just 20 students in the beginning, our class has now grown to around 55 students, not only from Bukit Gasing but other areas of Selangor as well,” he said.
The success has led to an expansion, with Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillors actively running senior citizen digital literacy classes in their zones.
“As we received positive response and community support, our programme is expected to expand further across Petaling Jaya and Selangor to benefit more senior citizens,” said Rajiv.
