KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need for information and communications technology in rural areas, as part of the country's socioeconomic development.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said this when launching the Malaysian Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry (Pikom) PC Fair 2008 yesterday.

He added that the ministry, with the aid of non-governmental organisations, would be reaching out to people in rural areas to provide these facilities.

The ICT industry in the country contributed RM40 billion to the gross domestic product last year, a 10 per cent increase from 2006.

Earlier, Pikom chairman David Wong said, starting this year, PC fairs would be held in more towns and rural areas to cater to the ICT needs of the people.
"With these fairs, visitors can interact with the exhibitors and learn more about ICT-related issues," he said.

The three-day fair is being held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

It is also being held simultaneously at the Indera Mulia Stadium in Ipoh, Berjaya Megamall in Kuantan, Millennium Hall in Kepala Batas and Intan Jubilee Hall in Muar. Opening hours are from 11am to 9pm and admission is free.

The fair will also be held for three days from April 18 at the Penang International Sports Arena, the Mahkota Parade in Malacca, the trade and exhibition centre in Sibu, the indoor stadium in Miri and Dewan Merdeka MPM in Seri Manjung.

Some 142,000 visitors were at the fair which was held in Johor Baru, Taiping, Kuching, Sandakan and Tawau from April 4 to 6.