Free WiFi introduced in Orang Asli villages through the Melaka Digital initiative is bringing significant change to the daily lives of the residents, in terms of communication, education and access to information.
Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Seraya resident Nora Suyu, 49, said the service, available at her village’s community hall, indirectly helped cut down on household expenses, especially for families who previously relied on prepaid Internet data plans.
She said it also facilitated daily tasks and provided students with the opportunity to obtain learning materials online.
“Students can come to study at the hall and mothers in the village can also use the free WiFi to obtain information.
“I am moved by the state government’s efforts to help the Orang Asli community so that we are not marginalised and can enjoy the same facilities as other communities,” she said during the launch of the free WiFi service at Kampung Orang Asli Solok Terentang community hall in Jus, Jasin.
Melaka science, technology, innovation and digital communication committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan, who launched the service, said the state allocated RM500,000 last year for the initiative, including installation of WiFi facilities in five Orang Asli villages in his Asahan state constituency.
“This year, seven locations in Machap Jaya as well as one location each in Gadek and Taboh Naning will be equipped with WiFi facilities,” he said.
This will bring WiFi connectivity to all 14 Orang Asli villages in Melaka by the end of this year, Bernama reported.
Solok Terentang Orang Asli village head Rahmat Ali, 60, said the provision of Internet access enabled villagers to connect with the outside world.
Previously, residents had weak Internet access and had to travel to a town about 5km away if they had important matters that required a stable connection, he said.
“The free WiFi greatly facilitates residents obtaining information and connecting with outsiders,” Rahmat added.
Resident Norini Jani, 58, said villagers had to travel far from home previously, including to an oil palm plantation area, just to get Internet coverage.
Camchari Jani, 51, said the provision of free WiFi at the village community hall also enabled residents to use social media and conduct online purchases more easily.
She said students no longer needed to go to distant locations for Internet access, especially at night.
According to a Bernama report, Fairul Nizam said the free WiFi was expected to benefit between 1,200 and 2,000 users among residents in Orang Asli settlements in Melaka.
He said the state government had allocated RM450,000 to expand the service coverage in 2026.
“This not only covers the Orang Asli villages but also other locations such as Arabic schools under the Johor Islamic Religious Department.
“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,” he added.
