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THE Ministry of Education (MOE) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing poor internet access in schools, particularly in rural and remote regions, following the nationwide rollout of its digital education policy.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by schools with limited or non-existent internet access, and said the issue remains a top priority for the ministry.
“We at MOE are fully committed, and with the support of the Ministry of Communications, we are consistently working to improve internet access and connectivity in schools,” Bernama cited her saying during her two-day working visit to Kalabakan, Sabah, under the Parliamentary Follow-up Programme.
Fadhlina, who was accompanied by Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, visited Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Kalabakan, Sekolah Kebangsaan Kalabakan, and the construction site for a new building at Sekolah Kebangsaan Umas.
She said the government would ensure that schools are equipped with smartboards and tablets to make learning more interactive and accessible for students.
“This is to encourage and enhance the children’s learning experience in the classroom, making it more interactive, while ensuring our children are not left behind.
“Sabah is among the states where digital adoption at the teacher level is very encouraging. We want teachers with these skills to ensure their students also gain access to digital facilities and skills,” she added, highlighting the potential of teacher activity centres to support digital programmes.
She also urged educators to instil ethical digital habits among students, noting that technology should be used responsibly and wisely.
Andi Muhammad Suryady thanked the Ministry of Communications for efforts to improve internet quality in rural schools. He noted that broadband development through the JENDELA initiative had been crucial in attracting telecom providers to expand coverage.
Meanwhile, Fadhlina announced that RM2.329 billion has been allocated this year for the development of 52 new school projects in Sabah, as part of ongoing efforts to address the issue of dilapidated schools.
“Billions have been spent to ensure that the development of rundown schools continues,” she said.
Out of 390 school development projects in Sabah, 230 have already been completed. Fadhlina assured that the ministry would resolve issues concerning school buildings that lack certificates of occupancy and unresolved land status, particularly in the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency.
“We are actively discussing these issues with the Sabah state government. This is a serious commitment by the MOE to ensure that all these problems are resolved. Action is already underway,” she said.
She added that the ministry would consider proposals from elected representatives and government-linked companies to help construct a rural hostel at SK Kalabakan.
The MOE, she said, remains committed to ensuring that the education and welfare of Sabah’s children continue to be prioritised. - May 9, 2025
