By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, Jan 1 — The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) plans to expand the Selangor Basic Technology Loan Scheme (Skim Pinjaman Teknologi Asas Selangor or Sepintas) to 30 other libraries.
Its director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said as of now, some 50 libraries have provided the scheme since it was introduced in August last year.
“We intend to include 30 other libraries to offer the programme. As of now, we are still discussing it at the state government level.
“The state government has shown strong interest towards the programme as it is more practical, especially to students,” she told SelangorKini today.
Mastura said each library will provide 10 desktops and 10 laptops to be borrowed for three months under the programme.
She explained that PPAS will prioritise school students to borrow desktops and laptops for university students from lower-income families.
On August 2 last year, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari launched Sepintas, which aims to reduce the digital gap among B40 students.
Meanwhile, she added that PPAS is committed to providing added value to the people in its effort to cultivate knowledge.
Mastura said the commitment was aligned with the state government’s goal to prioritise education to generate more income.
“This year, we hope all 104 libraries could function better and become the second home to people in Selangor.
“Even though it is only a library, regardless of where it is located, the added value is huge and significant for the community,” she said.
Mastura said PPAS will launch four newly-renovated libraries, namely in Sabak Bernam, Hulu Selangor, Tanjung Karang and Hulu Langat.
She added that two more libraries in Sepang and Kuala Selangor will undergo refurbishment this year.
