KOTA KINABALU: The Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC) is proposing to provide free WiFi service in the city centre here, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He said the allocation for the free WiFi service would be fully borne by MCMC.
“For the purpose, I will be holding discussions with Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai shortly,” he said when speaking at the closing of the Kota Kinabalu-level Kaamatan Carnival at Padang Merdeka, here tonight.
He said MCMC wanted to put Kota Kinabalu on par with other cities which also have free WiFi services.
“With the service, the people, especially the youngsters would be able to surf the internet for free and facilitate communication when in this city,” he added.
Meanwhile, Salleh called on the people in the state to appreciate the sacrifice and struggle of leaders and communities to ensure Sabah continued to exist in peace and harmony.
In this regard, he said it was important for the people of various races in the state to be united, maintain solidarity and mutual understanding for the progress of the state and nation.
“We must work and struggle together in combating the various challenges mounted by irresponsible elements on the country’s economy and security.
“We are very fortunate to be able to celebrate various festivals including the Kaamatan (Harvest) festival peacefully in the country. Unlike in some countries or places where there are racial conflicts, let us jointly defend this peaceful environment prevailing in our country,” he said.
Commenting on the two-day carnival which opened yesterday, Salleh said the festival would not only promote interaction among the people of various races but also inculcate mutual respect between one another for a harmonious environment.
“The Kaamatan carnival involves the cooperation and efforts of various races and ethnic groups which directly portray the unity, goodwill and understanding among the residents in the city. This is in line with the theme of the Kaamatan festival this year which is ‘Peace and Friendship’.
“As such let us together protect and build peace, friendship as well as the unique togetherness in this state...we are the best model of the 1Malaysia concept,” he said.
Salleh hoped the Kaamatan carnival organised by Kota Kinabalu City Hall would continue to be held each year including at shopping centres in the city so that the Kaamatan mood could be felt by city residents and tourists.
“I believe the Kaamatan carnival could be promoted as a tourism product apart from being a platform to strengthen national unity especially in Sabah which has more than 30 ethnic groups and more than 50 language dialects,” he said. --BERNAMA