By Olivia Miwil - January 26, 2021 @ 1:33pm
PENAMPANG: The state government will look into assisting students to cope with online studies by providing them with the electronic gadgets needed.
Its Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said that they are aware that certain families cannot afford such gadgets.
Last year, the state Education Department said about 52 per cent of students in the state did not have access to the internet, smartphones, computers or mobile gadgets needed to participate in online classes.
"Sabah understands the needs of the people, especially children in rural areas in times like this, when they cannot go to school and have to study via video conferencing.
"We will look into assisting those in need immediately," he told reporters after visiting a collapsed road at Jalan Penampang-Tambunan here.
Present was Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also Tambunan assemblyman.
Yesterday, it was reported that a RM150 million Cerdik initiative, which is under the 2021 Budget, is set to be begin next month.
It will provide digital access comprising laptops, tablets, and data connectivity to students from lower-income families.
As for internet coverage in Sabah, Hajiji added that a digital infrastructure plan, the National Digital Network (Jendela), will improve connectivity in the state.
"The federal government, through the RM2.5 billion Jendela, will improve digital communication throughout the state.
"There are about 2,000 existing (telecommunications) towers to be upgraded and 400 towers to be built within two years."
As for the status of Jendela's implementation, Hajiji did not discount that there might be delays due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) but assured that work will progress further when the state enters the Conditional MCO soon.
Earlier, Hajiji said that the cost to repair the road damaged due to recent flooding is RM150 million, and RM135 million for public assets.
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