Taib: Internet won’t benefit anyone if not used properly

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The government has put a lot of efforts into developing access to the Internet and related services because of the great potentials and importance in the current computer age.However, the Internet will not benefit anyone if it is not utilised properly.

In pointing this out on Wednesday night, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud told the people that if they don’t utilise it, they would miss out on  the  advancement and applications of information-communication technologies.

“The Internet should not be feared. It’s like driving. Years ago, many people were afraid to drive cars as it was something new. But now driving is a common skill,” he said, adding that people must dare to try.

Learn from children because unlike many adults they dare to try new technologies, he said before video-conferencing with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak at Kuching Civic Centre.

The video-conferencing was in conjunction with the launch of the National Broadband Initiatives (NBI) by Najib at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

Taib observed that the Internet has become essential to people’s day-to-day activities.

“Today’s students, for example, do not just depend on their teachers for new knowledge. The Internet is full of information,” he said.

It has a crucial role in business too, in that it allows business transactions to be carried out at any place and time.

“And it could help to reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.

He pointed out that the NBI  would   enable    the   nation to keep abreast of the global technological transformation.

At the very least, it enables Malaysians including the rural people to have access to the Internet.

“The current broadband penetration rate in Sarawak, which is around 20.4 per cent, is considered low. I believe with the NBI, the penetration rate can be improved,” he said.

He was confident that geographical factors were not insurmountable hindrances to the implementation of rural broadband services.

“I strongly believe that the Internet is a door to knowledge. I hope all rural areas would have the facility and would try our best to push the initiative.

“As for the people, they can play an equally important role. Be computer savvy and encourage children to master ICT skills,” he said.

Deputy chief ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sarawak director Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin were also present at the event.

Zulkarnain said the NBI was one of the efforts of the government to achieve its 50 per cent target of household broadband penetration by end of 2010.

He said under the NBI, the government aimed to increase the broadband penetration rate from current 20.4 per cent to 39 per cent.

He pointed out that the NBI would open up the opportunity for Sarawakians in rural areas to be accessed to internet facility.