KUALA LUMPUR: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the completion of 156 digital economic centres (PEDi) is expected by the second quarter of next year.
Ths is set to benefit 10 states and one federal territory, encompassing Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Kuala Lumpur.
The government had earlier disclosed plans to build 186 new PEDi centres across 170 state legislative assemblies as part of the "One PEDi per DUN" initiative.
"Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is still assessing the remaining 30 PEDi centres.
"As of the third quarter of 2023, there are 430 DUNs with PEDi centres," said the minister.
Fahmi was answering Kuala Pilah Member of Parliament, Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan's query regarding the status of the PEDi initiative and whether the ministry is planning to enhance all PEDi centres.
"MCMC is currently assessing the effectiveness and accomplishments of 600 existing PEDi digital partners, aiming to ensure the successful realisation of objectives in assisting local entrepreneurs to integrate into the digital economy and advance their businesses," he said.
Fahmi added that the MCMC would consider plans to appoint additional digital partners for other PEDi centres after the completion of the assessment.
In 2021, 911 Community Internet Centres (PIK) underwent a rebranding as PEDi, redirecting their emphasis toward the digital economy.
This transformation targets regions with limited broadband coverage, encompassing rural, inland, and low-cost urban housing communities.