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THE Bangsa Johor Pilot School (Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor or SRBJ programme, which began implementation last year, is starting to deliver tangible benefits as digital learning becomes embedded in classrooms across selected schools in Johor.
The initiative, which aligns with the national education digitalisation agenda, has also emerged as a potential solution to the long-standing issue of heavy school bags among pupils.
Under the programme, 2,500 iPads have been distributed to Year Four, Five and Six pupils at four SRBJ schools, supported by high-speed internet connectivity and modern facilities such as smart boards in every classroom.
During a recent visit by Bernama to Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Utara, teachers were seen integrating iPads into daily lessons to support teaching and learning activities, marking a significant shift in classroom practices.
Parents have responded positively, noting that the use of tablets offers a more practical learning method while significantly reducing the physical burden on children.
Danial Rahmat, 38, said the devices had helped streamline the learning process for his children, Damian Mikhael, 12, and Diandra Marsya, 10, who both attend SK Tasek Utara.
“Notes and homework can be completed directly on the tablet. I also see this as a step that could help reduce costs in the future, particularly in terms of book purchases, if it is implemented comprehensively,” he told Bernama.
Another parent, Fateha Novianti Azani, 37, said that although tablets have yet to be introduced for Level One pupils such as her nine-year-old daughter, Dhia Raisha Mohd Ediesharil, the approach has clear potential to reshape the national education ecosystem.
“Pupils no longer need to carry thick books every day because one tablet can replace many textbooks and exercise books. This device can also serve as a ‘reference book’ that can be accessed anywhere,” she said.
She added that the digital approach encourages a more interactive learning environment, where information and resources are easily accessible, in line with the demands of 21st-century education.
“The initiative also reflects the proactive approach of the Johor state government in cultivating digital education that supports the policy of the Ministry of Education (MOE), when implemented practically at the school level,” she said.
From the teachers’ perspective, the integration of technology has enhanced the effectiveness of existing digital platforms.
English teacher Nabihah Razali said the use of iPads allows the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa) platform developed by the ministry to be fully utilised, reducing reliance on printed textbooks.
DELIMa provides an inclusive and dynamic digital learning environment, offering access to digital textbooks and a wide range of educational applications for both teachers and pupils.
However, Nabihah, who has served at SK Tasek Utara for 18 years, stressed that digital tools are used alongside conventional methods to ensure balanced learning.
“This is because subjects such as English still require writing skills and we do not want pupils to lose those skills,” she said.
Science and mathematics teacher Nur Hidayah Jamil said the approach has strengthened pupils’ technological competence, with most adapting well to the new tools.
“About 80 per cent of pupils in my class are able to handle the devices with guidance from us as facilitators.
“Therefore, besides addressing the issue of heavy school bags, we are able to strengthen efforts to cultivate digital education,” said the teacher, who has served at the school for 16 years.
Concerns over heavy school bags have long been raised by parents and recently resurfaced on social media.
The Ministry of Education has previously said that addressing the issue requires cooperation from all parties, alongside initiatives such as converting physical textbooks into digital formats.
SRBJ, a brainchild of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, involves four schools in the Johor Bahru district: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tasek Utara, Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasek Utara, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Kota Puteri 2 and Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Kota Puteri 4. All four have been recognised as Apple Distinguished Schools.
Implemented in collaboration with the Johor State Education Department, the programme emphasises English language mastery without sidelining Bahasa Melayu, while strengthening STEM skills, character development, and employability and competency assessments aligned with international standards and MOE policy.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has said the initiative also includes upgrading participating schools to create a modern and inclusive education ecosystem of international standing.
The SRBJ project involves a total allocation of RM54 million, with RM31.22 million earmarked for Phase One and RM22.78 million for Phase Two, covering infrastructure upgrades and the rollout of high-impact educational modules. - January 25, 2026