Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has acknowledged the ongoing issue of limited or non-existent internet access in school areas, particularly following the launch of the digital education policy. Its minister, Fadhlina Sidek, said the challenges faced by schools, especially in rural areas, cannot be overlooked and remain a key priority for the MOE.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry has introduced the Parliamentary Follow-up Programme to address these challenges, involving visits to affected locations to assess the situation firsthand. "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," Fadhlina emphasized during her two-day working visit under the Parliamentary Follow-up Programme.
Fadhlina, accompanied by Kalabakan Member of Parliament Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, visited two schools in the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Kalabakan and Sekolah Kebangsaan Kalabakan, as well as a project site for the construction of an additional building for Sekolah Kebangsaan Umas. The ministry aims to ensure that every school gets smartboards and tablets to facilitate teaching and learning processes.
"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," she stated. Sabah is among the states where digital adoption at the teacher level is progressing well. Teachers are encouraged to leverage their skills to ensure students gain access to digital facilities and skills, utilizing teacher activity centres for digital programmes and activities.
Fadhlina also reminded teachers to emphasize ethical practices in the use of technology and digital tools, ensuring that students use them wisely and differentiate between educational content and potentially harmful materials.
Meanwhile, Andi Muhammad Suryady expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Communications for ensuring quality internet access in school areas. He highlighted the role of the National Digital Network (JENDELA) initiative in attracting telecommunications providers to expand coverage, particularly in rural areas. He noted the importance of infrastructure development and upgrading basic telecommunications networks to meet the needs of the digital lifestyle in this era.