JELI, April 22 — The ‘Connecting the Unconnected’ (CTU) programme implemented by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) is targeting to enable 26,000 people in remote areas have access to telecommunication systems this year.

According to KKMM secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad so far 438,000 residents in remote areas throughout the country were enjoying the facilities.

"The facilities were made possible with the cooperation of various government and private agencies as well as telecommunication companies through the implementation of the National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS),” she told reporters after visiting a new house built under the KKMM NBOS-CTU extension programme at Kampung Satura here, today.

Also present to visit the house belonging to Che Zaidi Che Hasan, 52, was International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed who is the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Jeli seat.

Sharifah Zarah said it was important to have television, radio and internet access to ensure people living in remote areas were kept informed and able to communicate with each other effectively.

Earlier in Kota Baru, Sharifah Zarah handed over KKMM contributions to an Islamic learning centre and a mosque to help fund religious activities and programmes.

The Darul Quran Wakaf Bharu Tahfiz Centre here, received RM3,000 while the Mahmoodi, Bachok Mosque was given RM2,000.

Darul Quran director, Zaidi Che Hassan when met by reporters said he was grateful for the generous contribution which would go directly towards activities that could benefit the 214 students. — Bernama