PEDi supervisors to get RM500 bump in allowance

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said PEDi was crucial for the country’s growth as it was aimed at bridging the internet access gap between those living in urban and rural areas. (Facebook pic)

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM500 increment in the allowance for Pusat Ekonomi Digital Keluarga Malaysia (PEDi) supervisors, effective January next year.

“We will increase the allowance for managers from RM2,000 to RM2,500, while for assistant managers it will go up from RM1,500 to RM2,000,” he said at the digital economy centre conference at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre.

Anwar added that, with the increment, the government would expect something in return from PEDi supervisors.

“The additional burden shall be that each PEDi supervisor should be monitored and reports must be provided,” he said.

Anwar also said PEDi is crucial for the country’s growth as it is supposed to bridge the internet access gap between those living in urban and rural areas.

“Hence, this is why I approved RM25 million in the 2024 budget to strengthen PEDi in each state assembly.

“If any additional allocation is required, I’ll consider increasing it,” he said.

Meanwhile, communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said the funding would create more job opportunities.

“PEDi initially provided collective internet access in rural areas for the less privileged.

“It now serves as a catalyst for the digital economy, helping uplift the socio-economic status of local communities,” he said.

Last week, Fahmi said 156 PEDi centres were expected by the second quarter of next year in 10 states and one federal territory, encompassing Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Kuala Lumpur.

In 2021, some 911 community internet centres were rebranded as PEDi, redirecting their emphasis towards the digital economy. - FMT