Facilitating Digital Needs: The Influence of Internet Offerings and Accessibility Initiatives on Internet Use Behavior Among Malaysian Students and Working Communities

The COVID-19 outbreak and the Movement Control Order (MCO) enforcement have rendered online activities essential. It is essential to emphasise the importance of providing essential internet services and initiatives for internet connectivity to all individuals and groups in Malaysia, enabling effective communication in the new normal. Therefore, this study examines the extent and impact of internet connectivity on the day-to-day routines of marginalised populations. The study aimed to gather data from 300 respondents by conducting surveys among primary, secondary, and tertiary education students and individuals from the working population who fall under low- and mid-income groups. The data were collected using offline and online survey questions to understand the disparities between urban and rural areas. This research finding supports the idea that internet services and efforts to improve accessibility influence people's behaviour when using the internet. The geographical location plays a substantial role in generating disparities between urban and rural regions. Age has a crucial role in shaping the connection between measures to improve internet accessibility and individuals' behaviour in using the internet. This research provides valuable insights into understanding the relationships between internet access options and measures to improve accessibility in emerging communication activities. As such, this research provides insights into the long-term preservation of digital inclusion and policymaking focused on establishing effective systems, services, and support to ensure internet accessibility. As such, this research sheds light on the importance of digital inclusion in rural and urban areas, considering different income groups.