KUCHING: The National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Batu Kawah has assisted more than 1,600 people since its opening in August last year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the centre had been instrumental in bridging the digital divide, even in urban areas.
“Over the past 12 months, the centre has helped over 1,600 people. They have reached out to entrepreneurs, the community, students and also helped to raise awareness on government policies.
“All the five categories of people that they are helping are also very relevant in bridging the digital divide.
“Even in urban areas, we still need such initiatives because not everyone has full access to the internet,” he said to reporters after officiating at the centre at MJC New Township here today (Aug 9).
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stressed that access to the internet was still not universal, and thus centres like NADI play a crucial role in providing digital access and literacy.
“Currently, there are 156 NADI statewide, including Batu Kawah. This will continue to help communities, especially entrepreneurs, improve their digital skills and knowledge.
“Therefore, we are grateful to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) , Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi for their cooperation in making this possible,” he said.
On a related note, Dr Sim commended the Internet Selamat Campaign (KIS) run by MCMC and NADI, which focuses on teaching children and youth on how to use the internet responsibly.
“Nowadays, with easy internet access, especially for the young ones, they often don’t know what is right or wrong online.
“This will become even more challenging with artificial intelligence (AI),” he said, adding that AI can be a double-edged sword as it can be used for both good and bad.
Meanwhile, a wide range of services are provided at NADI, including basic health screenings, online tuition for students, e-sports facilities and entrepreneurship training under the ‘NADIpreneur’ and ‘Nadi EmpowHer’ programmes.
