Jaringan Prihatin: RM180 telco credit to be disbursed from March 2021, free 1GB daily data extended

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia has revealed that the RM180 telco credit under the Jaringan Prihatin program will be disbursed from March 2021. Meanwhile, the current free 1GB daily data offer which is scheduled to end on the 31st December 2020 will be extended until the Jaringan Prihatin program commences in March.

As announced during the tabling of Budget 2021, the government is allocating RM1.5 billion for the program which will benefit 8 million individuals from the B40 group. The RM180 credit can be used for either internet subscription or to subsidise the purchase of a new smartphone.

RM180 telco subsidy for B40 groups

According to the Ministry’s latest statement, the program will allow eligible individuals to claim RM15 credit per month. With an allocation of RM180 per person, the subsidy would last for 12 months. The statement also added that the RM180 subsidy can also be used to offset the partial cost for new smartphone purchase.

Free WiFi at 130 PPR

To assist B40 individuals and students taking SPM and STPM exams nationwide, the government has announced more initiatives to expand internet access. This includes free WiFi at 130 selected Public Housing Projects (Program Perumahan Rakyat – PPR) nationwide until the end of April 2021. The free WiFi service will be offered by 6 telcos such as Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, TM and Time.

Special plan for SPM and STPM 2021 students

In addition, the operating hours of all Internet Community Centres throughout the country will be extended from 9.00am to 9.00pm daily. To assist students with their data needs, telcos will also introduce special SPM/STPM 2021 plans that will be offered from 6th January 2021 until the exam ends in April 2021. More details will be provided later by the respective telcos and it will be published on MCMC’s website.

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