THE government has to work harder in developing a digitally skilled community to be digital native and interact digitally, said Minister of Communications and Multimedia Saifuddin Abdullah today.

According to Saifuddin, digital skill is a source of energy for the country’s progress and to be competitive with other countries, especially in the context of future industries.

“In this regard, in addition to the need to expedite internet connectivity and capabilities of the community in terms of owning suitable devices, the community also needs to be strengthened in terms of migration to the digital world, mastery of the latest technology and awareness of disinformation, cyber security and positive membership in various forms of digital community.

“The ministry plays a role in building the digital community eco-system by accelerating migration to the digital world for those who have not ventured into it, improving digital skills for those who have ventured into it and further enhancing digital access for those who already have the skills,” he said in a post on his Facebook account.

He said the ministry also played a role in boosting local talents, implementing the Smart Society programme in grassroots communities, making them aware of disinformation and cyber security, and activating membership to the digital community.

He said the ministry will optimise the use of the 1,101 community internet centres throughout the country.

“We will also embrace the role of the Communications and Multimedia Commission, Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation… hopefully we can develop the local community in tandem and in harmony with the digital community,” he added.

According to Saifuddin, the local community refers to those who live and work physically in an area, while the digital community refers to those who are physically and digitally in an area.

“The ministry is making efforts to enhance communication initiatives, for example in terms of Covid-19 communication strategy.

Among its focus is on how to improve the quality of communication with the community, especially at grassroots level, by using the community empowerment approach.

“By taking into account the dynamics of the community and in line with the establishment of the National Digital Council and 4IR, chaired by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, the community should be seen from a broader perspective, that there are now two forms of community: the local community and digital community,” he said.

Saifuddin said in that regard, there are programmes for the development of the local community at grassroots level, such as district, sub-district, housing estate, village and longhouses, that need to be rejuvenated.

“This is because the country has long needed to strengthen its leadership at the third level, namely the local government, district or grassroots that can enhance the participation of the people in more mature democratic practices. – Bernama, November 23, 2020.