Batu Kawa public library gets free Wi-Fi under Sacofa4u

KUCHING: Sacofa Sdn Bhd, the ICT infrastructure company that has been tasked with delivering the state’s ambitious telecommunications and broadband coverage targets, took another step forward with its community outreach programme – free Wi-Fi service as part of the ‘Sacofa4u’ programme – held at Batu Kawa public library near here yesterday.

Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian Minister of Local Government and Housing Sarawak officiated at the soft launch which coincided with the opening of the new library in the vicinity. Back in 2014, Sacofa first commissioned Sacofa4u at the state government complex in Kapit.

The free Wi-Fi service was rolled out in stages: SK Batu Keling and Uma Kelep, Sungai Asap Belaga (in 2015); Pusat Pengajian Masjid An Nur, Sibu (in 2015); Pusat Pengajian Masjid Pangeran Datuk Pangeran Matussin, Lawas (in 2016).

In Kuching the three locations with Sacofa4u are: Pusat Sumber Tun Openg, Perpustakaan Masjid Darul Hana and Perpustakaan Desa Kpg Telaga Air (all in 2016).

In 2017 two other locations were added – Perpustakaan Desa Kpg Telaga Air, Rh Mikele Ding, and most recently at Perpustakaan Desa Pekan Batu Kawa and Sebauh (yet to be launched).

The Sacofa4u community outreach programme’s primary goal is to bridge the digital divide and develop an e-knowledgeable society, promote human capital development in Sarawak, stimulate innovation and creativity in the telecommunication technology industry and to reinforce government, community and industry efforts towards an ICT literate society.

Sacofa4u has provided free high-speed Wi-Fi services to 10 locations to date and will continue expanding to reach more communities in the future. The programme covers schools, institutions of higher learning, religious places, government buildings and public areas.

Sacofa Sdn Bhd Managing Director Zaid Zaini said that the soft launch takes the state a step closer to achieving their ultimate goal of a truly ‘Connected Sarawak’, consistent with the State Government’s vision for Sarawak, where all sections of a society can reap the benefits.

“With the 2018 National Budget’s strong investment in the ‘Digital Economy’, bridging the digital divide by expanding and improving connectivity as the driver for education and economic growth, every effort is being made to connect the people of Sarawak – no matter how remote they are, through wired or wireless means.