IT
Educators, Infrastructure To Reduce Digital Divide
Saturday, 2 August
2003 (Source: Bernama)
MATUNGGONG:
Bandau Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili has called
for a major increase in government funding to bridge the digital
divide in the rural sector.
The funding was necessary to provide adequate information
technology (IT) and information and communication technology
(ICT) education and basic infrastructure, he said.
Lack of access to ICT education was a major contributor to
the divide, he said after closing a two-day introductory ICT
skills workshop organised by the Bandau MP office and the
Matunggong sub-district office here on Saturday.
"It is known that among the causes of the digital divide are
lack of awareness and appreciation of IT, poor connectivity
and inaffordability of hardware.
"Introductory ICT learning programmes are crucial in changing
mindsets and creating an appreciation of multimedia technology,"
he said.
Ongkili, who is also Science and Technology Adviser to the
Chief Minister, said the federal and state governments had
invested huge amounts of money to improve connectivity and
ensure computer hardware was more affordable.
"In addition, the federal Rural Development Ministry, Energy
and Multimedia Ministry, Education Ministry, National IT Council
and state libraries are investing in various IT programmes
that provide internet connectivity, hardware and access like
Internet Desa, Info Desa and computer education in schools.
"All these have helped to reduce the digital divide especially
in the rural areas," he added.
As such Ongkili, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president,
urged both the federal and state governments to increase IT
allocations especially in the rural communities to ensure
they were not marginalised in technological advancements.
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