KUALA LUMPUR: With the return of students to online learning until next year, former Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik has raised questions over the fate of close to 40 per cent students across the country that are without electronic devices and Internet connection at home.
In questioning this, Maszlee said it was paramount that his successor, Senior Education Minister Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin addresses the matter to ensure that group of disadvantaged students do not fall behind in their studies during the school closure from today until Jan 20, 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"What is the minister's plan for 36.9 per cent of students who do not have devices at home?
"What is the alternative plan to ensure that this group is not left behind while their peers get to go on online for classes with their teachers?
"How about poor families and the Bottom 40 group who not only do not have devices but also Internet connection at home?" asked Maszlee, who is Simpang Renggam MP, in a statement today.
It was reported in April that research conducted by the ministry showed that 36.9 per cent of students nationwide do not possess any electronic devices.
The findings were part of the ministry's research involving the teaching and learning platform (PdP) on access to communications technology among teachers and students.
Radzi had reportedly said that the findings showed that six per cent of students have their own computers, 5.67 per cent own tablets, nine per cent own laptops and 46 per cent have smartphones.
He said the research which involved over 670,000 parents and close to 900,000 students found that ownership of hardware and electronic devices for learning from home was limited.
Radzi had back then said the ministry was looking into the best ways to overcome the problem.
Maszlee had also expressed concern on over 600,000 students who are recipients of the Supplementary Food Programme (Rancangan Makanan Tambahan) and if the ministry has any special plan to assist them and those from the B40 group who were fully dependent on the free meals at school.