Communications and Multimedia (K-KOMM) Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa has announced a delay to the rollout of free tablets to B40 students under the PerantiSiswa Keluarga Malaysia programme. Initially set to be distributed in mid-June, the timeline is shifted to mid-July instead after the tender for the initial supplier of the devices was cancelled by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Speaking to reporters in Petaling Jaya yesterday, the K-KOMM Minister commented that he has no details as as to why the tender was cancelled by MOF. However, Annuar stressed that MOF has the prerogative to do so, as the final call on tenders above a certain amount, including the PerantiSiswa devices are under the purview of the said ministry.
As reported by Free Malaysia Today, Annuar further revealed that a new tender was called recently, with another firm being shortlisted for the PerantiSiswa programme. In any case, MOF will have the final say on whether to award the tender.
Moreover, since a new tender is being issued, there will be a delay to distribution of the tablets as it would take time for the supplier to deliver the tablets. The K-KOMM Minister estimates this process to take between 30 to 45 days, hence the change of timeline to mid-July.
Over 100,000 initial units will be distributed to over 200 universities nationwide under the PerantiSiswa initiative. The programme itself will benefit around 400,000 students in the B40 category.
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