Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is ready to implement home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) arrangements during the ASEAN Summit scheduled for May and October to help mitigate traffic congestion.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the ministry is currently identifying schools that will be affected to ensure the smooth operation of the ASEAN programme and to assist in alleviating road congestion. "There is no issue. We are fully prepared to implement the approach and are committed to ensuring its success. The matter has already been thoroughly discussed within the MOE," she remarked during a symbolic ceremony at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi.

The proposal for home-based learning was initially suggested by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who recommended implementing work-from-home and PdPR arrangements during the ASEAN Summit. This proposal is set to be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. Mohamad highlighted that the proposal was prompted by the public's challenges and inconveniences, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, due to road closures during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Malaysia.

In a related development, Minister Fadhlina mentioned that the ministry is actively monitoring and reviewing the admission systems for MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) and fully residential schools (SBP), with plans to streamline the process starting January next year. She assured that all aspects, including qualification tests, are being thoroughly addressed both at the ministry and MRSM levels.

This move follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement that applicants can apply to both institutions but will only receive one offer to prevent duplication in placements.