Rangkaian Khidmat Awam Negeri Sarawak
A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN

(People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service)

ISSN 1394-5726
 
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Bridging the Digital Divide PC Gemilang…an affordable PC for the masses
Although the country is now in the midst of accelerating its hi-tech capabilities by adopting and expanding the full spectrum of third generation technology and upgrading Internet services, the rate of PC ownership remains comparatively low. Since year 2000, various steps such as the computer ownership campaigns, the use of EPF to purchase computers, and the RM300 income tax rebate have been taken to prime up personal computer owners hip.

However, the challenges seem to go beyond the key issue of affordability. It is a fact that PC ownership in urban areas is increasing but the same is not true of the rural areas. Urban dwellers may find the price of a reasonable PC set inexpensive, but this does not apply to most of their rural counterparts.

PC Gemilang, a project that promises to make personal computers more affordable for rural dwellers may well be one of the answers to enable them to own a PC. PC Gemilang project is a joint effort between the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications and the Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry (PIKOM).

500,000 PCs are expected to be rolled out by the end of 2004, out of which 200,000 units are likely to penetrate the rural areas. The PCs, marketed under the brand name PC Gemilang will be sold for between RM998 and RM1,147. It features Intel Celeron 1.7 GHz processor with a 15-inch monitor, 128 MB Ram, 40 GB HDD, built-in 56k Modem and CD Rom drive and speakers, plus a free 30-hours TMNet Internet dialup access and call charges.

The government has rightly done its part to provide impetus for the project and facilitate training programmes for users. Financial institutions or co-operatives however need to respond positively to set up a scheme for loan facilities to enable the lower income earners to own PCs.

PIKOM plans to hold regular road shows to create awareness among people in rural areas about PC Gemilang. Retailers are urged to guarantee quality
after-sales services available to buyers
 
 


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