FREE 5GB DATA ON FIRST DAY OF RAYA WILL HELP PEOPLE STRENGTHEN TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- The announcement of a 5GB free data incentive for Malaysians on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is considered a noble effort by the MADANI government to particularly benefit the B40 group who have limited data plans.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) president Datuk Dr. Marimuthu Nadason said that the provision of free data is a positive step, especially during the festive season, to ensure that all layers of society can continue to connect with family and friends without internet access limitations.

"Although this incentive may seem small, it is still significant because communication is essential in daily life. The B40 group will certainly welcome this initiative because it greatly needs assistance in accessing data," he told Bernama today.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the spokesperson for the MADANI government, today announced the provision of the RAHMAH rebate incentive in the form of an additional minimum data quota of 5GB for prepaid and post-paid users.

The additional data quota is valid for a minimum period of 24 hours, subject to the terms and conditions of the involved telecommunications service provider.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Youth Council (MBM ) chief information officer Syafiq Ridzwan Jamaluddin believes that this incentive also opens up opportunities for the youth to optimise the use of digital technology in various forms, including producing high-quality creative content for the celebration, thereby igniting the spirit of Aidilfitri on digital platforms.

He said the free data can also be used to strengthen social networks and relationships by communicating with family members and friends who are far away.

"MBM also wishes to urge youth to utilise this incentive wisely and ethically, and to avoid misusing the data quota for unproductive activities such as spreading fake news, unhealthy content or non-productive activities.

"As a digitally literate generation, youth should be catalysts for prudent internet use, including spreading positive messages, sharing useful knowledge, and strengthening the values of unity during Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he also said.

He added, "MBM believes this initiative can be a catalyst for a more responsible and productive digital society, in line with the nation's aspiration towards an inclusive and advanced Malaysia MADANI."

Meanwhile, UiTM Rembau student Nabil Azman, 23, said that besides phone calls, the additional data can also be used to make video calls to loved ones who cannot celebrate Aidilfitri together.

"Maybe there are family members who can't return home because of work and so on, so video calls are the only medium that can strengthen family ties. The 5GB is quite a lot, so we can use it to contact them,” he also said.

In addition to wanting to take advantage of the free data to upload special Aidilfitri moments on social media, he will use the free data for navigation applications like 'Waze' when searching for the locations of relatives' and friends' houses to celebrate together.

-- BERNAMA