MCMC said it has recruited and trained a total of 11,335 volunteers since the programme was introduced in 2016.

“To ensure information reaches all segments of society, including rural areas, the MIV volunteers consist of primary and secondary school teachers, higher education students, and local community members,” it said in a statement.

In addition to empowering communities with digital literacy skills, the volunteers support MCMC’s online safety initiative, Klik Dengan Bijak (KDB), by raising awareness and educating the public on positive, productive and responsible internet use.

MCMC said topics covered under KDB include cyberbullying, online fraud, and child online protection. This initiative educates internet users, especially students, on how to protect themselves from becoming victims.

“KDB sessions also involve teachers and parents, enabling them to convey messages of safety to children, including those with disabilities and those at risk of online threats,” it said.

The MIV programme is a collaboration between MCMC and government agencies such as the police, the education ministry and the health ministry.

Last year, 498 MIV sessions were conducted nationwide, reaching an audience of over 2.3 million. Meanwhile, 569 KDB programmes have reached over 540,000 people.