NEWS: Government supports essential for ICT growth

THE local information and communications technology (ICT) community must surely be waiting for the outcome of the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), scheduled for tabling in Parliament this week.

Young children in the outskirts of Miri checking out a computer. By bringing ICT into the rural areas, it would help more Malaysians embrace ICT.

Of particular concern is whether the present allocation for the ICT sector will continue, or whether there will be some scaling down due to the unfavourable economic conditions. With higher prices of goods and fuel compared to 2006 when the 9MP was launched, the Government might be forced to relook its budget for various sectors of the economy.

Nevertheless, there have not been any announcements made by the relevant Ministries on plans to cut down on its ICT allocation.

Under the 9MP, the Government increased its ICT expenditure compared to the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP). A whopping RM12.9 billion has been allocated for ICT-related programmes compared to RM7.9 billion under the 8MP.

Under the 9MP, the Government’s main ICT agenda includes improving processes and achieving greater efficiency in the public sector and bridge the digital divide between urban and rural folks. The computerisation programme will improve the execution and improve integrity and transparency in the public sector.

Bringing ICT into the rural areas would help more Malaysians embrace ICT and be part of the information society. Other ICT-related programmes slated under the 9MP are aimed to further catalyse growth of the ICT sector, by creating more business and job opportunities.

While we understand the situation that the Government is in, let’s hope that whatever measures it takes would not affect progress in the local ICT industry.

ICT which has contributed significantly to the nation’s economy, should continue to figure prominently in the Government’s development plans.