Communications and Multimedia Minister Annuar Musa has revealed the government’s minimum requirements for the free tablets to be given to varsity students who need them, under the RM450 million PerantiSiswa programme.
Annuar reassured that the devices will not be “cap ayam” (low quality) and that it will cost “four figures” after concerns were raised about the quality of the tablets.
“There are postings saying we want to give out ‘cap ayam’ devices again. I do not know because I am not involved in the tender process.
“What I know is that the matter is with the Finance Ministry now and they will decide, but I have given a guiding principle to the secretary-general that I do not want ‘cap ayam’ or cheap devices.
“I want something that is already in the market that the rakyat recognises, from an established brand. A premium brand, in fact... with the appropriate capacity and functions,” Annuar said during his address at the pre-launch of the PerantiSiswa programme at the Multimedia University in Cyberjaya today.
The Finance Ministry is expected to complete the procurement process and issue the letter of award to the selected vendor by next week, Annuar added.
When asked about the specifications of the devices, Annuar said that will be up to the vendor who acquires the tender, but with the minimum requirements set by the government.
“I have been trying to avoid giving very specific specifications because when we call for tender, we gave minimum specifications and it will depend on the bidder, probably they will offer something more than just the mere minimum.
“Once the procurement exercise is completed, then I will give the detailed specifications, but not today,” he said.
The minimum specifications set by the government are as follows:
10.1” screen, FHD resolution, 1280x800
Android OS 10 and above
4G LTE (can support telcos’ LTE frequency in Malaysia)
Minimum 4GB RAM
Minimum storage 64GB
Slot for SD Microchip up to 256GB
Front-facing camera minimum 2MP
Back-facing camera minimum 5MP
Built-in speaker and 3.5mm audio jack for headset
Bluetooth 4.1 and above
Wifi 2.4GHz and 5GHz
Minimum battery 4500 mAh
USB charging cable included
Bluetooth keyboard included
Stylus pen included
‘Programme to be finetuned’
The government had previously announced the PerantiSiswa programme with an allocation of RM450 million for Budget 2022.
Annuar said the costs for the tablets will not go above the budget ceiling of RM450 million that has been set.
For this year, they are preparing 350,000 units of the tablets to be distributed, he added. The tablets will be distributed starting in June.
Though the government had initially estimated 600,000 units can be distributed to varsity students nationwide, Annuar said the final figure might be smaller as the government had decided to procure high-quality tablets.
He also stressed that any varsity students without laptops or tablets can apply for the device under the PerantiSiswa programme and that it is not merely limited to B40 students.
This programme is an ongoing one, Annuar added, and it will be finetuned along the way.
For example, he said, they are currently looking into devices for students from faculties that require digital devices with higher processing power such as the engineering or creative multimedia departments.
He also noted that the benefits of the ongoing programme include after-sales service and a warranty period.
“It is not like we give it to them and that’s it. We will provide service after that, in case anything goes wrong like it is spoiled or stolen,” Annuar said.
According to the FAQ (frequently asked questions) sheet provided at the pre-launch event, the students will be required to return the tablets after they graduate or according to the time period set by the programme administrator. - Mkini
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