Urban poor in Kuching urged to utilise Nadi centres - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 17): Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has called on Kuching residents, particularly those from the urban poor community, to make full use of the National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi) established by the federal government in the city.

He said the centres, set up by the Ministry of Communications, provide facilities for the public ― especially those seeking training and exposure in online entrepreneurship ― as well as access to various federal government services.

“While the initiative was initially aimed at bridging the digital divide in semi-rural and rural areas, I believe it can also greatly benefit those in urban areas, particularly the urban poor who may lack the means or facilities to access the digital world,” he said in a statement.

“That is why urban setting such as Bandar Kuching, these facilities can offer significant benefits to those who need them most,” he added.

He also expressed his appreciation to the federal government, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for establishing Nadi Centres throughout Sarawak, including new ones recently launched in Pending, Padungan, and Batu Lintang ― all of which fall under his constituency.

“This initiative clearly reflects the federal government’s commitment to narrowing the digital gap and improving the living standards of local communities by offering a wide range of services and training programmes free of charge.

“From high-speed internet and free computer access, e-tuition classes for core subjects like English and Mathematics, as well as entrepreneurship workshops, digital and hands-on skills training such as cooking, sewing and gadget repair ― even free health screenings ― these centres provide real value to people from all walks of life,” he said.

According to Yii, the Nadi programme aims to train at least 7,000 participants in 2025 under the ‘NADIpreneur’ entrepreneurship programme.

“Of this number, 60 per cent are expected to be women under the ‘Nadi EmpowHER’ component, which aims to empower women economically through digital tools and platforms.

“As of March 31, a total of 4,000 entrepreneurs have already been trained under the programme, with 3,390 of them being women,” he mentioned.

He described this as a commendable step towards the economic empowerment of women through the use of digital tools and platforms.

He also lauded Nadi’s collaboration with leading digital platforms such as TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada, which equip budding entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and tools to succeed in online sales, branding, and packaging.

“The collaboration ensures that the programme remains relevant to current market trends,” he added.

He further expressed confidence that the initiative would benefit a wide spectrum of the population ― from schoolchildren using the free e-tuition services, to university students completing assignments with the internet and computer access provided, and senior citizens benefiting from free health screenings such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) tests.

“This is a shining example of an inclusive and people-centric policy that provides equal opportunity for learning, growth, and societal contribution, regardless of age or background,” said Yii.

Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, during a recent working visit to Nadi Padungan, said Sarawak has now a total of 156 Nadi centres statewide ― up from 133 previously.

She said the facilities offer a wide range of services, including basic health screenings, online tuition for students, e-sports facilities and entrepreneurship training under the ‘NADIpreneur’ and ‘Nadi EmpowHer’ programmes.