INTEL COMMENTS ON BUDGET 2014

Prakash Mallya, Country Manager, Intel Malaysia and Singapore.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, October 25, 2013 – Intel Malaysia congratulates the Malaysian Government on the unveiling of Budget 2014 themed Strengthening Economic Resilience, Accelerating Transformation & Fulfilling Promises.

The allocations made in Budget 2014 reflect the Government’s determination in propelling Malaysia to its full competitiveness and becoming a high income and developed economy by 2020.

Intel welcomes the Government’s move to:
• Expand coverage in major towns (RM1.8 billion investment) and suburban areas (RM1.6 billion investment) in implementing the 2nd phase of HSBB.
• Allocate RM1.5 billion for the erection of 1,000 telecommunications transmission towers to increase rural Internet coverage in the next 3 years.
• Allocate RM850 million for the laying of underwater cables to enhance the internet speed coverage for Sabah & Sarawak in the next 3 years.
• Expand internet access in schools especially in rural areas with an allocation of RM168 million.

Access to the Internet provides individuals and businesses with new ways to connect, consume knowledge and trade across geographical borders and Malaysia has had an encouraging amount of success in this area. With the strengthening of Internet connectivity - particularly in rural areas - Intel is confident that these measures will continue to have a direct positive impact on the country’s economy.

However, Intel would have liked to see allocations towards making ICT devices more affordable and accessible to all. The increased availability of Internet access can only be fully taken advantage of when the rakyat is equipped with ICT devices – be it a PC, tablet or 2-in-1 device  – and the knowledge to use them. ICT training for students and their families would also be able to help improve rakyat’s ability to use technology and provide them with the skills they need in the 21st century.