During the pandemic, 6 out of 10 households agreed that the children were losing interest in their studies. More than 7 out of 10 were unable to stay focused[1] during their lessons. These numbers are even higher for female-led households with 6 out of 10 children losing interest, and 8 out of 10 unable to focus[1].
This challenge is compounded with poor internet coverage or the lack of connectivity for the household.
To combat this issue, the government introduced the Jaringan Prihatin programme. Approximately RM2 billion is allocated in the Jaringan Prihatin programme – a subsidised telco packages for B40 individuals and families.
Here are several free or discounted internet schemes targeting the B40s in Malaysia.
#1 – Telekom Malaysia
Unifi Mobile 39: For RM24/month, you will receive 35GB, 50 minutes of voice and 25 SMS each month. [NO CONTRACT]
The Unifi Mobile 39 which costs RM39/month comes with 5GB of data (4GB for LTE, 1GB for LTE + 3G), 50 minutes of voice calls and 25 SMS each month. Eligible BPR subscribers will also get additional 30GB LTE data each month from Unifi.
Unifi Bebas Prepaid: On top of 2GB of LTE data each month for 12 months, you will receive an additional 1GB of LTE data daily. In total you will receive 32GB data per month for 12 months. [NO CONTRACT]
#2 – Data Internet Selangor
Selangor citizens (under the B40 category) who are eligible will only need to pay RM15 for their data package and RM20 will be paid by the state government. Chief Minister Amirudin recently announced this aid on 9th June, allocating RM17.5 million to cover this one year subsidy.
A special package targeting the M40s will also be launched. There will be eight packages of subsidy between RM10 to RM30 a month for 12 months.
More information from Selangor government website
#3 – YES 4G
For B40s who are eligible, YES 4G is offering free smartphone and up to 30GB of data for individuals and families. Additional value in this package includes Shopee vouchers and education application.
Read more from YES 4G Website
#4 – Maxis
For Maxis subscribers, you can redeem RM180 for data plan subsidy (RM15 per month for 12 months). Alternatively, you can receive up to RM300 subsidy for a new phone.
Read more from Maxis.
#5 – Celcom
Similarly, Celcom is also offering RM180 for data plan subsidy (RM15 per month for 12 months) or RM300 subsidy for a new phone.
More information on Celcom’s website
#6 – UMobile
UMobile is offering an additional 2GB of data per day for those eligible in their Prihatin program. This is on top of RM15/month subsidy for data packages or RM300 off for devices.
Read more from UMobile’s website
#7 – Tune Talk
Tune Talk is offering up to 55% discount on their data plans for the B40s. This includes 2GB daily boosters for free.
Read more from Tune Talk’s website
As of October 2021, the government had announced that major telecommunication companies (telcos) are offering two special packages for the next 6 months starting on the 15th of October 2021. The involved telcos are Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia and YTL.
The two special packages are the Keluarga Malaysia Teen Package and the Keluarga Malaysia Device Package to assist teenagers and students to get access to the Internet. At the same, the package aims to help the less fortunate to own affordable smart devices.
The Keluarga Malaysia Teen Package, a special prepaid package for teenagers below 21 years old and students including postgraduates. For 90 days (equivalent to three months), the students can enjoy 20-gigabyte (GB) data for RM30. The Keluarga Malaysia Device Package, on the other hand allows mobile user to afford or upgrade to a mobile device with VoLTE (Voice over LTE, or voice calls over 4G Network) for free. A contract subscription of between 12 to 24 months from RM 40 per month is required depending on the type of device and service they choose.
Further information can be found in the participating telco companies websites.
This article was last updated on the 18th of October 2021.
