KAPIT: Hulu Rajang Member of Pa r l i ament Datuk Wi l son Uga k Kumbong pointed out the necessity to build more telecommunication towers in the rural areas. This is to provide wireless connectivity for the rural population as the state gears towards the Digital Economy and e-commerce through social media.
He called on the government to address the issue of the lack of wireless connectivity in the rural areas especially in Hulu Rajang constituency which is as big as the size of Pahang.
As of now, the connectivity is still very low and the coverage is only in the urban area, the MP added. “More telecommunication tower must be erected in the rural areas to provide wider access of wireless connectivity for the benefit of the rural communities.
This is not only to narrow the digital gap between the rural and urban setting but more importantly to help rural dwellers to enhance their skill and knowledge in ICT especially the youths who are the country’s asset.
Wireless connectivity is very important to connect them to the outside world,” said Ugak when declaring open the new Multipurpose Hall of SK Nanga Metah, in Kapit recently.
Ugak told that the state government is now embarking on the Digital Economy and e-commerce. “The rural folks are skilful craftsmen and they are experts in handicrafts making like beadwork, ‘puakumbu’ and others that fetch good market in urban centres.
With good IT connectivity they could establish their own social media (internet, facebook, whatsapp, wechat) to market their products all over the world without opening a shop.
When one opens a shop, it is localised but online business is borderless; it reaches every corner of the world,” explained Ugak.
At the function, Ugak announced a government grant of RM15,000 for the Parents-Teachers Association of SK Nanga Metah to organise their social activities.
Present at the function were the headmaster of the school Ngadi t Sawing, Ugak’s wife Datin Leyta Kupa, Bukit Mabong District Officer Douglas Pungga and a BOMBA officer from Kapit Sengiang Usat.
