State Youth Council permanent chairman Mazlan Joe Manan urges for broadband coverage in Sabah should be improved especially in the face of coronavirus lockdown.

According to New Straits Times, 

"The limited broadband penetration in Sabah will affect the government efforts to encourage digital businesses and government services."

"It is hoped that the government would continue to expedite broadband network development in the state," he said in a statement in response to the Economic Recovery Plan (Penjana) announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, yesterday.

Photo source: hteknologi

The 40-initiative plan includes providing free internet, encouraging micro-businesses and small and medium enterprises to be in the e-commerce platform and digitalizing their operations, and online shopping, among others.

E-commerce and digital operations are encouraged to practice social distancing and contain the spread of Covid-19. It seems to be a very important issue about the limited broadband penetration in Sabah.

"Our concern on the growing number of unemployment and more businesses closing down was addressed with the three-month extension of the Wage Subsidy Programme."

"The Staff Hiring Incentive Programme will encourage businesses to re-recruit retrenched workers, reducing the unemployment rate," he said, adding many youngsters are involved in the tourism sector which is severely affected by the global health crisis.

Cover photo: Canva