‘Greater broadband penetration for Sarawak’

SERIAN: The state has achieved more than 55 per cent broadband Internet penetration, thanks to various government initiatives to encourage people to be information and communication technology (ICT) literate.

Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan said the government, in its effort to continue increasing people’s capability in ICT, is committed to spurring infrastructure development and communications facilities, including to rural areas.

“The government is aware of the need to increase the quality of human capital as a result of globalisation and the rapid development of ICT,” he said during a ceremony to present 1Malaysia notebooks to 255 recipients from Balai Ringin near here yesterday.

Besides establishing broadband community centres, broadband libraries, wireless village and increase the coverage of celular telephones, Snowdan hoped that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would give more emphasis to the development of ICT infrastructure development in Balai Ringin and the state as a whole.

“This is very important to increase the coverage and reach of telecommunications services and broadband including in Balai Ringin area,” he said.

Snowdan added that the state government, together with all parties including the private sector and corporate, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), parents, students would continue to support federal government efforts to increase broadband Internet penetration rate in the state.

“I would also like to urge teachers and parents to always monitor the usage of Internet and ICT facilities among the students and children to ensure that the facilities provided are fully-utilised and not being abused.”

During the ceremony, Snowdan also presented a mini fire engine to the Balai Ringin volunteer fighters team, which is headed by Sudin Sulong.

“A few weeks ago, we know that there was a fire incident in Balai Ringin, where three houses in Kpg Ensebang Kuari were completedly burnt down.

“Now Balai Ringin has established a team of 50 Bomba volunteers, comprising villagers who were trained by Serian Fire and Rescue Department.”

Snowdan hoped that the availability of the mini fire engine, stationed at a strategic location, would help improve the response time in emergencies.

He said the Balai Ringin Bomba volunteer team played a very important role as the first responder in fire incidents and hoped that they would comply with all the Bomba standard rules and regulations when operating government assets provided them.

Among those present at the ceremonies were MCMC Sarawak assistant director Faiezatul Ekma Mohd Redzuan, Bomba Samarahan Zone deputy chief Melvin Amok and Serian Bomba chief Suharto Lamat.