BUKIT Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran is continuing to provide the needy in his seat with affordable smartphones.

His constituents who cannot to afford a smartphone can purchase it at a subsidised price of RM100 each.

Rajiv said he started the programme during the pandemic to allow the poor, especially the elderly, to get connected. 

“We wanted to bridge that gap,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Rajiv said the Nokia phones are worth RM300-RM350 each and come with warranty. 

To qualify for a smartphone, one must be a Bukit Gasing resident in the B40 group.

 “They can come to my office and we will interview them. If they qualify, they will get it. 

“If we see that the person can’t afford the RM100 at all, we will give it to them for free.”

He said the phones are paid for with his assemblyman’s allocation and donations.

Rajiv said smartphone classes were launched in October 2021 and the response has been overwhelmingly.

“This is to help those who do not know how to use the smartphone. Many senior citizens who come to our classes have nice phones but don’t know how to use them. 

“The classes will allow them to utilise the various apps and stay connected with their families.”

The classes are open to all Malaysians.

“People from Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Subang or any other areas can come.”

Classes are held on Wednesday, 10am to noon, at th Petaling Jaya City Council Balairaya in Seksyen 17. – February 19, 2023.