This year, we’ll see the revival of EPF computer purchase scheme if PIKOM and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (SKMM) successful on it attempt to reinstate the program. The program once called One Home, One Computer that run between 2000 to 2002, allowing EPF contributors to withdraw their EPF contribution money for computer purchasing purpose.
Looking on the current economy situation, the timely proposal is important to boost the IT spending in Malaysia, in the wake of government budget cut on IT spending. This is the win-win situation between the IT industry, citizen and the country as the whole when the increase of computer ownership means, the computer penetration rate will increased as well, which at the same time inject a much needed medicine to the IT growth.
But how effective this scheme would be? Would the issue that beleaguered this scheme before repeated? Obviously, the biggest obstacle is how to ensure the fund is correctly use to purchase computers. During the first program, out of 750k EPF contributors who withdrew the money , 87k misused the fund for other purpose. That represent more than 10% loss of money and productivity.
I have few food for thoughts to share about it.
Price. Computer is quite affordable and no longer a luxury item today. Back then, PC priced more than RM4,000, beyond the reach for most peoples. But nowadays, the cheapest Dell desktop and notebook complete with operating system only cost RM1799 and RM1999 respectively. Action: limit the amount that can be withdrew from EPF as low as possible.
Ignorance. When they can buy plasma TV, multimedia set or refrigerator that cost thousands via easy payment scheme such as credit card of installment, why giving money factor as excuse not to own computer? Action: tighten the rules and filter the candidate so those who really in need are eligible to join.
Legal and piracy. Malaysia is a well known piracy heaven. The more computer in use by consumers, the more piracy is. If the plan get the green light, opt for branded PC, such as HP or Acer. Usually branded computer bundled with OEM operating system, which is relatively cheaper than the standalone license. Avoid the no-brand-custom-built system which usually require standalone license that pricier than OEM.
No OS because they want to use Linux?? Honestly, I think most users who purchase the computer through the schema is a first timer. Don’t surprise if they have trouble using M$$$ Windows..
Durability - How many computers bought during that time still survive until today. Not all computer model including from the well-known companies is durable.Set the standard and come out with the list of computers that fulfill the standard so potential buyer have to choose from that list only.
Internet – They now get the computer via the scheme. But what can they do with it without internet connection? It is very limited right? So rolled out broadband internet available all over the country,make it cheap and reliable. Or bundle the internet with the computer, as long as the charge is acceptable.
Distribution & After sales support
Buy online. The concept of middle party (ODESAJA previouslt) that receive the fund from EPF and purchase the computer on behalf of the end user should be eliminated. This is the biggest hole in the system.
Distributors – To avoid fraud and distribution problem, choose that has already been in the industry for long time, proven record handling mass production, good corporate governance, solid financial background, wide distribution problem and everything that’s good. Don’t form a new & inexperienced entity solely as a vehicle to execute this plan.
After sales support – After sales customer service support must be strong enough, fully equipped with knowledge and dedicated personnel. I would like to stress this seriously after seeing number of issues arise due to the poor service and the unacceptable and unprofessional respond from the customer support service. The buyers are usually are the first timer who has zero or limited knowledge. So it is very imperative to have this in place.
That’s it.. any other thought??
