MINISTRY OF ENERGY, WATER AND COMMUNICATIONS IN COLLABORATION WITH TELEKOM MALAYSIA LAUNCH "SEKOLAH ANGKAT" PROJECT

Jeli, Kelantan, 20/6/2004 - The Ministry of Energy, Water & Communications in collaboration with Telekom Malaysia today launched the "Sekolah Angkat" project for Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ayer Lanas (SMKAL) at Jeli, Kelantan.

The implementation of this project is an outcome from the "Sehari Bersama Pelanggan" programme, which was held in Jeli on 23 September 2003. During the session, Y.Bhg. Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, the former Minister of Energy, Communications and Multimedia announced that SMKAL as a "Sekolah Angkat" of the Ministry and Telekom Malaysia.

This is the second school adopted by the Ministry under the "Sekolah Angkat" project. Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kuala Ketil, Kedah was the first school adopted under the project in collaboration with Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) Sdn. Bhd.

Y.B. Dato' Mustapa Mohamed, Minister at the Prime Minister's Department who is also the Member of Parliament for Jeli was present to officiate the launching ceremony.

Representing the Ministry during the programme is Encik Mohamed Nor Abd. Aziz, Acting Deputy Secretary General and Y.Bhg. Dato' Dr. Abdul Rahim Hj. Daud, Deputy Chief Executive from Telekom Malaysia.
The objective of this project is to increase awareness of the importance of IT in technology, social and economic aspects among students in the rural areas. Furthermore, with the implementation of the project, it is hoped that the students would acquire computer skills, thus creating an IT literate society. The school as well as the local community can also fully utilise the 'Kamar Siber' for their benefit.

Under this programme, the IT facilities and telecommunications infrastructure in SMKAL will be upgraded with the addition of new computers, a scanner, a printer, computer software and Internet service. Apart from that, educational activities such as computer classes will also be conducted for the teachers, students and the community in the area. This can assist in bridging the digital divide and spurring the nation's development.

On the same day, an exhibition was also held by the Ministry and Telekom Malaysia Group, including Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad, Telekom Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd., Telekom Training College, Multimedia University, Yayasan Telekom Malaysia, Consumer & Business Unit of TM Telco, TM Net Sdn. Bhd. and 999 Customer Assistance Services.

Telekom Malaysia is proud to collaborate with the Ministry for this project towards equipping the rural students with better IT knowledge.