The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has introduced a new initiative, Malaysia ICT Vounteer (MIV), to specifically train more locals to become digital citizens and support the development of a smart digital nation.

MCMC senior director (Advocacy and Outreach Division) Eneng Faridah Iskandar said today, selected rural communities would be taught how to use the technology and ICTs to improve daily activities in social or business.

At the same time, they would be inculcated with a culture of being safe and responsible online, she added.

She said the first phase of the initiative would be carried out in the state at 10 selected Internet centres, namely Lundu, Samarahan, Simunjan, Betong, Kanowit, Mukah, Song, Bintulu, Miri and Bau.

"Thus, we are looking for volunteers aged 18 and above, who are passionate about giving their time and effort in helping their communities.

"We would like retirees, professionals from various backgrounds, university and college students to be our volunteers who will be given dedicated training," she said.

Eneng Faridah said MCMC was looking at about 50 volunteers at this initial stage and they would be the "nucleus of change" for their respective communities by becoming the trainers.

"Sarawak is chosen for the pilot programme as it has 89 1Malaysia Internet centres with a membership of 62,499 people.

"It also has 25 mini-community broadband centres and 33 community broadband centres," she said, adding the broadband penetration rate per household in the state was 66.5 percent in the first quarter of this year which she expected to grow to 78.3 percent by the second quarter.

Eneng said those interested could visit MCMC at www.miv.mcmc.gov.my or email to [email protected] or call 03-86888800.

Meanwhile, state assistant minister in the Chief Minister's Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Len Talif Salleh today launched the first programme at Lundu which was also attended by MCMC chairperson Halim Shafie.

- Bernama