In a significant development aimed at bridging the digital divide, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has given his endorsement for the installation of a Starlink satellite internet device within an Orang Asli village situated in Ulu Kinta, Perak.
The village in question, known as Kampung Orang Asli Tonggang, is anticipated to become the second Orang Asli community in Malaysia to benefit from the deployment of the Starlink device. This decision aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing connectivity for underserved areas.
In response to concerns about limited internet access, Anwar Ibrahim expressed his intent to coordinate with the Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Fahmi Fadzil, to facilitate the provision of a Starlink unit for the village. The objective is to extend the advantages of internet usage to students, educators, and young individuals residing in the area. Berita Harian reported Anwar's statement, as conveyed by Bernama, emphasizing the potential benefits of this technological intervention.
Despite being home to 435 residents, the quality of internet connectivity in Kampung Orang Asli Tonggang has been described as inadequate, if not nearly absent. Anwar Ibrahim noted this discrepancy during his visit to the village, further affirming the necessity of this initiative.
The impending installation of the Starlink device will be executed within the framework of the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), which underscores the government's commitment to expand internet coverage comprehensively. This strategic move exemplifies a step forward in realizing equitable digital access for all citizens.
The event witnessed the presence of other key figures, including Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad and Hulu Kinta Assemblyman Arafat Varisai Mahamad, highlighting the collective effort in pursuing this digital transformation.
This recent endeavor follows the successful implementation of the Starlink device in Kampung Orang Asli, Hulu Kemensah, Selangor, marking it as the inaugural Orang Asli village to benefit from this technological advancement.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously announced the government's plan to procure 40 units of the Starlink internet device. These units will be allocated for deployment within universities, colleges, and schools across the nation, aligning with the commitment to elevate educational technology.
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, operates through a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes, ensuring robust and reliable satellite communications. Beyond its immediate impact on individual connectivity, Anwar Ibrahim highlighted its potential to enhance internet coverage in rural and remote regions, a critical element in achieving comprehensive digital inclusion.
In a separate announcement, Anwar Ibrahim divulged that a RM400,000 allocation has been authorized for the construction of a new school block at SK Seri Tanjong, which is situated within Kampung Orang Asli Tonggang. This educational infrastructure development aims to address the shortage of study spaces for children within the village. Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the urgency of this project's completion within the current year, reinforcing his dedication to the educational well-being of the community.
Kamarul Azwan is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.