MCMC: Students should utilise Community Internet Centres nationwide

MCMC urged students without a stable Internet connection at home to utilise the PIK available nationwide for online learning. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Students facing difficulties getting a good Internet connection for online learning are encouraged to take advantage of the facilities available at 873 Community Internet Centres (PIK) nationwide.

According to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), each PIK had information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, high-speed Internet access and full-time staff to help visitors make full use of the services available.

“Each PIK is equipped with 20 computer units, WiFi coverage and comfortable air-conditioned area.

“PIK managers can also specifically provide comfortable and conducive training rooms for the use of students who need to take examinations online,” MCMC said in a statement today.

MCMC made the call following several news reports on the problem of poor Internet and telecommunications coverage experienced by a university student at her home in Kampung Bukit Petai 7 in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, forcing her to study in a tent on a hill behind her house.

Referring to the matter, MCMC said its officers had met with the student’s family and looked into the Internet connectivity at the student’s house recently.

They confirmed that the mobile broadband connection there was weak as the village is located quite far from the existing transmitter station, apart from being secluded due to hilly terrain.

“Several temporary measures, including setting up a mini-transmission tower and upgrading the nearby transmitter located 2.5km from the village, are being planned for the approval of the authorities,” according to the statement.

The quality of Internet connection was expected to improve by January 2021.

While waiting for the upgrading to be completed, MCMC urged students in the area to take advantage of the nearest PIK facility at PIK Kusial Bharu and avoid exposing themselves to any risk of mishaps.

The public can check the locations of 873 PIK via the password registration section on MCMC’s website. – Bernama