FIVE students from low-income families are the first to benefit from a unique community initiative aimed at keeping them connected to their education without breaking the bank.
The students, spanning secondary school and university levels, received refurbished laptops through the “Pinjam Gajet” (Borrow Gadget) programme at Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung’s service centre in Petaling Jaya Old Town.
Launched by social initiative Ayuh Malaysia, the programme tackles the digital divide from a clever, eco-friendly angle.
Instead of buying new tech, the initiative collects used laptops donated by the public.
These devices are repaired by students learning practical tech skills in a basic computer repair course.
“I see this programme not only providing access to learning devices, but also creating space for course participants to learn practical skills while promoting a culture of reuse and reducing electronic waste,” Lee said during the handover.
To keep the technology accessible, he said the recipients did not need to buy the laptops.
Instead, they rent them for a nominal fee of RM10 a month for their classes, backed by a refundable RM300 deposit.
With the first successful rollout completed, the challenge now was to keep the momentum going, said Lee.
The survival of the rental system, he said, hinged on continuous community backing.
“The success of this first group proves the programme is sustainable.
“However, its continuation requires cooperation. I hope more people come forward to donate usable laptops or help sponsor the repair and training costs so that we can reach more students,” added Lee.
For details on how to donate old devices or apply for a rental, visit pinjamgajet.ayuhmalaysia.org
