KUCHING: The federal Education Ministry must understand the issues faced by rural schools with various states before implementing across the board allocations for schools.
In pointing this out, Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan said different rural schools had different challenges.
“Firstly, the federal Education Ministry must understand the shortfalls of our rural schools such as accessibility, connectivity and transport system available in our state before implementing any policies,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Sunday (July 18).
Snowdan added that rural schools in Sarawak still lacked the much-needed infrastructure.
“Connectivity issue is still preventing them from being on par with other schools,” he said.
Snowdan suggested that the Education Ministry consult the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to provide internet connectivity in areas with connectivity issues.
“In the first place, these facilities should be ready before the implementation of online learning,” he pointed out.
He added the budget disbursement for provision of food for rural schools must also take into account the transport charges.
“The amount of food must not be reduced to cover the transportation charges otherwise the children will receive less nutrition.
“After all, our children are sitting for the same exam under the same syllabus.
“Thus, it is time for the federal Education Ministry to look into all these issues of rural schools,” he said.
Snowdan was commenting on Assistant Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee’s remarks during an online dialogue organised by Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) Sarawak on July 16.
Dr Annuar had pointed out that the granting of funds to rural schools must take into account the remoteness of the schools, lack of infrastructure and examination results.
