Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak during his 2013 Budget speech last year announced the Youth Communication Package or Pakej Komunikasi Belia (PKB). The PKB entails that Malaysian youths aged between 21 to 30 and earn below RM3,000.00 a month will qualify for a RM200.00 rebate on the purchases of smartphones.
Several days ago, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) published on its website that the price of smartphone is capped at RM500.00. A selection of smartphone models was also displayed.
The imposition of the cap has attracted many negative comments from country's top politicians including the Youth Head of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, YB Khairy Jamaluddin. He said there shouldn't be any cap on the smartphone price. The oppositions even sarcastically said that the move was to help businesses clear up their old stocks and obselete models.
Responding to the comments, the Government has made a U-turn. Yesterday 2 January 2013, the Cabinet decided to remove the RM500.00 cap. The RM200.00 PKB rebate is now available for any purchase of smartphones irregardless of its price. MCMC in its immediate statement stated that the purchase has to be made at shop Kedai Harga Patut (shops that are selling phones with a reasonable price).
In my personal view, the removal of the RM500.00 is an unwise decision. Even the PKB itself should not have been announced in the first place. I truly understand the aim of the Government is to increase the literacy of internet, information, communication and technology among youths and it is a noble step. But, I am of the opinion that the budget should be channelled to a more effective programs such as improve the broadband access and coverage in rural areas by building more infrastructures. As we are fully aware, most of the rural areas are neglected by profit hungry telcos. Telcos are more aggressive in cities, towns and business areas. This is where government's social obligation comes in. To telcos, rural areas are just their CSR!.
By lifting the cap, it sends a signal that the Government are not spending money on the right group. If youths or youths' parents/families could afford to buy an expensive and rich featured smartphone, why should the Government subsidise it. More over, they payment of rebate will open the flood gate for abuse and exploitative actions if not properly carried out.
The 'first come first serve' basis will actually make the matter more worse. Most of the youths who are staying in the cities and towns are highly ICT literate and always keep up to date with the latest news. But for those youths in the rural areas, they may receive the information and news much later than their counterparts living in the cities. Some maybe do not know what the PKB is all about at all!
As it is still early to do 'things right', I really hope the Government agencies will put in effective ways, means, measures and controls during the implementation to ensure the objectives of PKB are met.
To Malaysian Youths, hurry up to register yourselves. This is a 'life time opportunity' to own a smartphone at a discounted price. Whatever smartphone model of your choice, use the phone with extra 'smart'. Do not be fooled by telcos as internet data price is really expensive. Otherwise you will be forced to revert to your 'dumb phone'!
The 'first come first serve' is available at MCMC website at http://www.skmm.gov.my.
Copy right reserved -- saupee
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