Perceived Influence and Usage of Internet Among Malay SMEs in Kedah: An Exploratory Study.

The purpose of this research was to identify the firms which using the internet is being used in business. This study focuses only on Malay SMEs that are registered under
Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Kedah. Data and information were gathered by using questionnaire as an instrument then analyzed using SPSS statistical packaged. A total of
200 Malay SMEs were taken as respondents. Out of the 200 questionnaires distributed only 106 were returned. This finding showed nearly 43% of respondents used internet in
their business activities. The analysis showed these firms are early adopters and they provide information about their internet experience in term of their use, perceptions, reason for implementing and not implementing the internet in business and the problems encounter. Further analysis showed that most of the survey respondents use the internet for gathering general information and make it online. The other findings also showed the respondent's perception towards internet is largely neutral. The problems encountered by the respondents for not implementing internet include lack of staff with IT skill, too expensive, security, and lack of advice and support from local authorities and public
agencies. Hopefully the findings could assist the hindering factors and the problems that arise when using internet especially among Malay SMEs.