In a progressive stride towards digital inclusivity, the Malaysian Government is poised to introduce cheaper internet prices through the Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP), a move set to cater to diverse user needs.
For students and small-scale traders, in particular, this initiative is perceived as a lifeline, given the critical importance of internet access in today’s digital era. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), lauds this initiative as a vital support for students engaging in online learning, research, and assignment submissions.
Though UUM provides internet access points, it’s often insufficient to deliver optimal access for all. Catering to nearly 20,000 students on campus, disruptions in internet service are inevitable. This initiative to lower internet prices not only offers a win-win situation for students but also empowers universities to extend more comprehensive access. It serves to alleviate financial burdens, especially on students from low-income families, known as the B40 group.
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Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, announced on July 31 that the new MSAP is expected to lead to reduced internet prices by September. The MSAP aims to lower wholesale internet access prices, and a new policy – ‘where there’s a road, there’s the Internet’ – is set to be introduced to ensure wider coverage.
The move is also hailed by small-scale traders. Sharin Darus, Federal Territory Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders Association secretary-general, emphasizes the initiative’s potential to bolster product promotion and increase revenue for traders. It provides a much-needed boost for newcomers in the business field facing data constraints, enabling them to actively market their products on social media and engage in online trading.
Sharin, who has run a business at Chow Kit for nearly two decades, views affordable internet as a vital tool for maintaining security via 24-hour CCTV monitoring.
Eyzrine Norsofea Tajodin, a private company’s management programme trainer, shares the sentiment, noting the importance of affordable internet for her online tasks – from interacting with training participants and strategic partners to preparing marketing materials.
The Malaysian Government’s initiative is a substantial step towards a more digitally inclusive society, fostering economic development and educational advancement. Its benefits will ripple through different user groups, shaping a more robust digital economy.
This news is based on a report from The Star.
