PETALING JAYA: Telcos applauded the government’s move to offer RM180 telecommunication credit for the B40 group under Budget 2021 tabled today (Nov 6).
The Jaringan Prihatin programme, which is valued at RM1.5bil, is expected to benefit eight million individuals and will be executed in the first quarter of next year.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz said in his speech that the aid will help reduce the financial burden of the B40 group wanting better Internet access.
"This aid can be used to support the purchase of an Internet subscription plan or subsidise the cost of a new smartphone," he said.
In addition, telcos will provide benefits worth RM1.5bil which will include free mobile data.
Maxis CEO Gokhan Ogut welcomed the announcement, saying it will ease the financial burden of the B40 segment through connectivity-related products and services under Program Jaringan Prihatin.
“Collectively as an industry, we have been in discussions with the Ministry of Finance to coordinate plans, and will share more details once we have finalised them, ” he said.
Celcom CEO Idham Nawawi said the telco too has been in discussions with the ministry for an industry-coordinated response.
"We will continue to collaborate and work closely with all relevant parties in finalising a range of products and services, which will benefit our B40 customers," he said in a statement.
Digi echoed a similar sentiment, adding that more details about its initiatives will be announced later.
“Going forward, we will participate actively in conversations to finalise the range of products and services which will best suit this initiative and benefit our B40 segment of customers, ” the company said.
The government also announced that RM500mil will be allocated towards the National Digital Network Initiative (Jendela) to improve connectivity in 430 schools and RM42mil will go towards improving Internet connectivity in 25 industrial parks.
Gokhan said Maxis is also encouraged by the government's effort to recognise telecommunications as a third utility.
"The allocation under Jendela to ensure connectivity for 430 schools across the country and industrial locations, as well as for overall expansion of broadband services, is certainly a step in the right direction as we work together in driving the nation towards a globally competitive, robust, resilient and an enriched digital society."
Telekom Malaysia group CEO Imri Mokhtar said the company is fully supportive of Jendela to improve broadband connectivity.
"TM will continue to play its part to realise the government’s aspirations towards laying the foundation for Industrial Revolution 4.0 in all key economic verticals, especially education," he said.
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