An additional 500,000 computer laptops will be given out apart from the one million already allocated under the 1Malaysia Computer Laptop Programme.

Information, Communications and Culture Deputy Minister Joseph Salang  said the additional laptops would involve an expenditure of about RM1.5 billion.

"After considering the high demand for computer laptops from the public, the government decided to add 500,000 units, bringing the total number to 1.5 million," he said when winding up the debate for his ministry on the Supply Bill 2013 at the policy level in the Dewan Rakyat.

The 1Malaysia Computer Laptop Programme was announced in conjunction with the launching of the High-Speed Broadband in 2010.

Salang said that up to September this year, 754,446 1Malaysia computer laptops had been given out nationwide.

On the giving of RM200 rebate for the purchase of a smartphone, he said the ministry through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would cooperate with the telecommunication service providers to ensure fairness for 1.5 million youths.

The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues tomorrow.

- Bernama