KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Telecommunication operators in Malaysia will be providing every eligible B40 Malaysian youth currently studying in institutions of higher learning with a tablet.

The telco operators — Celcom Axiata Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Maxis Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd or YES — announced this in a joint statement on Wednesday, in response to the government's  announcement of the Pakej PerantiSiswa Keluarga Malaysia.

The package is a government initiative crafted in collaboration with the Malaysian telcos to enable about 600,000 youths across Malaysia with access to digital tools and connectivity for education and upskilling.

The initiative is expected to start from the second quarter of 2022, the telco operators said.

"This latest initiative further strengthens telco operators’ commitment to support the rakyat’s connectivity needs. Other joint industry initiatives include providing free 30GB productivity internet per month (free 1GB daily), and free WiFi access at 130 People’s Housing Projects (PPR) across the nation during the Movement Control Order (MCO)," the statement read.

The telco operators have also introduced affordable data plans through the Pakej DAta Khas Pelajar/Learning from Home package to help students from the B40 households prepare for exams.

"Affordable smartphones and internet plans were also offered under several special programmes such as Jaringan PRIHATIN Programme, Pakej Peranti RM1 Prihatin Malaysia, Pakej Peranti Keluarga Malaysia and Pakej Remaja Keluarga Malaysia.

“Telco operators will continue to work closely with the government to support the rakyat’s connectivity and digital needs,” the statement added.