Over 27,900 rural B40s nationwide now digitally savvy thanks to PEDi

HULU LANGAT: More than 27,900 active entrepreneurs from the B40 community have benefited from the government's digital economy centres (PEDi) nationwide, enhancing digital literacy in rural areas.

PEDi centre manager Rossyafira Muhamad said during a visit to PEDi Felda Soeharto that approximately 1,477 of them are in Selangor alone.

She noted that the courses offered had received enthusiastic responses, with participants of various ages seizing the opportunity to sign up for digital upskilling classes.

Most of the participants, she said, are women aged between 22 and 59, running home-based businesses.

"Many excelled in digital marketing classes, expanding their brands to a more extensive customer network beyond their usual logistic areas.

"They now know how to optimise social media platforms to grow their businesses."

Rossyafira, a class instructor, said participants appreciated the centre's facilities and services, which are rarely available in remote areas.

In addition to standard information and communications technology (ICT), entrepreneurship, and advocacy sessions, PEDi centres also offer printing, binding, banking, and tax services with ease.

"For PEDi Felda Soeharto, the nearest township with urban amenities is about 40 km away," she said.

"Previously, it was challenging for them to efficiently operate their businesses as they had to travel far to go to the courier service for deliveries, for instance."

The visit to PEDi Felda Soeharto, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is a lead-up to the upcoming PEDi conference scheduled for Nov 29.

A total of 911 centres operate daily across Malaysia (including Sabah and Sarawak) to empower citizens to participate in and benefit from the digital economy while navigating it safely.

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