If you can recall the 2013 Budget presentation back in September, the government has announced a RM 200 discount program for youths to purchase 3G-enabled smartphones. The initiative is then officially known as the Youth Communication Package (Pakej Komunikasi Belia) which will be in motion starting from 1 January 2013 right until 31 December 2013 or until the RM 300 million allocations have been fully utilized – whichever comes first.

Designated under the National Broadband Initiative, the package will be made available for Malaysians from the age of 21 to 30 years old with monthly income of RM 3,000 or below. However, one can’t just simply purchase any smartphones that he or she prefers. Instead, eligible youths are only able to choose from pre-approved devices by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) which will not cost more than RM 500.

Furthermore, one also has to be an existing subscriber or register for a new broadband plan with any of the telco that participated in the program such as Maxis Berhad, Celcom Axiata Berhad, DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, U Mobile, YTL Communications and Tune Talk in order to enjoy the privilege.

According to MCMC, the list of approved devices and authorized dealers will be made available on telco’s website starting from 1 January 2013 although Amanz has revealed that Senheng and SenQ will be part of the list. To learn more about the upcoming Youth Communication Package, head on to its official website.

UPDATE (28/12): MCMC has published the initial list of approved devices, available right here.

[Source: MCMC, Amanz]