[UPDATED] Free 1GB daily data can’t be used for gaming, social media and video streaming

[ UPDATE 8/06/2020 11:00 ]: We’ve included details for U Mobile’s free 1GB data offer under the Penjana initiative. Redemption is automatic and no further action is requierd.

===

Malaysia Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has recently announced that telcos will be offering free 1GB data daily to support e-learning and productivity activities under the Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana). This initiative will be available from the 10th June until 31st December 2020 and existing free 1GB daily data offers will end on the 9th of June.

The big four telcos – Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile have revealed more details about the new free data offer and the 1GB data is only limited to selected education, productivity and information-related services. The free data is applicable to all active postpaid and prepaid customers, and it is available only between 8am to 6pm daily.

Unlike the initial free 1GB data offer that was introduced during the first phase of the movement control order, the new initiative does not include gaming, music, social and video streaming. Below is the list of applications, services and websites that are NOT included under the free 1GB offer:

Celcom

Digi

Maxis

U Mobile

In terms of redemption, Celcom’s FAQ states that you will only need to redeem once a month, while Digi requires daily redemptions. Maxis has not mentioned the process of its redemption. For U Mobile, the redemption is done automatically and this means users will not be required to redeem manually on a daily.

Meanwhile, TM has recently announced that it is offering free data daily between 8am to 6pm for Unifi Mobile users until the 31st of August, but they didn’t reveal any restriction for its free data usage.

With these restrictions, you’ll need to subscribe to your usual data plans to access all of your frequently used applications such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, WeChat and etc.

In addition, telcos will also offer free and unlimited access to Gerak Malaysia, MySejahtera and MyTrace apps, along with other important news sources and government websites. The telcos are also offering free calls to the important hotline and emergency numbers such as the Crisis Preparedness Response Centre (CPRC), MOH state branches and COVID-19 related hotlines.

Related reading