Mystery of the 150,000 laptops solved, but why the slow delivery?
The Opposition has finally gotten an answer to one of the greatest ‘mysteries’ of all time: An update on the 150,000 laptops that had been promised to students from low-income families.
The laptops were previously announced by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz during his 2021 Budget presentation back in November 2020.
The laptops were supposed to be distributed to primary and secondary school students in February 2021 to help them attend online classes.
February came and went, students have physically returned to school, but the laptops were nowhere in sight…until recently, that is.
Yayasan Hasanah, the government-appointed secretariat of the CERDIK initiative, recently announced that 13,000 laptops have already been distributed to state education departments by government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
Of the total, over 1,000 students have received their devices so far. Based on the current supply chain capacity, CERDIK is targeting at least 50,000 students to receive their devices by end-May, with the balance expected to be distributed by end-September 2021.
But why the slow delivery?
With an increasing number of places being placed under the enhanced movement control order (MCO) due to rising COVID-19 cases, B40 students from the areas are once again forced to deal with issues concerning the Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR).
Adding to this is the Education Ministry’s recent announcement that PdPR for all schools in Malaysia will be conducted for two weeks after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break.
According to its minister, this is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission that could happen outside school during the festive season.
Well, guess what? This is also two more weeks without the necessary gadgets that are meant to facilitate the online learning process. In case you didn’t already know this, PdPR is meaningless if the students do not have the necessary devices to study.
What were the students from B40 groups supposed to do until they get their devices in September? This is assuming, of course, that there will not be another mysterious delay.
In addition to expediting the installation of internet infrastructure in rural areas, the Government and the corresponding ministries must step up and expedite the delivery of the rest of the laptops to students.
After all, it is only right that all students be given a fair chance when it comes to education. – April 29, 2021
The laptops were previously announced by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz during his 2021 Budget presentation back in November 2020.
The laptops were supposed to be distributed to primary and secondary school students in February 2021 to help them attend online classes.
February came and went, students have physically returned to school, but the laptops were nowhere in sight…until recently, that is.
Yayasan Hasanah, the government-appointed secretariat of the CERDIK initiative, recently announced that 13,000 laptops have already been distributed to state education departments by government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs).
Of the total, over 1,000 students have received their devices so far. Based on the current supply chain capacity, CERDIK is targeting at least 50,000 students to receive their devices by end-May, with the balance expected to be distributed by end-September 2021.
But why the slow delivery?
With an increasing number of places being placed under the enhanced movement control order (MCO) due to rising COVID-19 cases, B40 students from the areas are once again forced to deal with issues concerning the Teaching and Learning at Home (PdPR).
Adding to this is the Education Ministry’s recent announcement that PdPR for all schools in Malaysia will be conducted for two weeks after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break.
According to its minister, this is to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission that could happen outside school during the festive season.
Well, guess what? This is also two more weeks without the necessary gadgets that are meant to facilitate the online learning process. In case you didn’t already know this, PdPR is meaningless if the students do not have the necessary devices to study.
What were the students from B40 groups supposed to do until they get their devices in September? This is assuming, of course, that there will not be another mysterious delay.
In addition to expediting the installation of internet infrastructure in rural areas, the Government and the corresponding ministries must step up and expedite the delivery of the rest of the laptops to students.
After all, it is only right that all students be given a fair chance when it comes to education. – April 29, 2021
"After all, it is only right that all students be given a fair chance when it comes to education."
ReplyDeleteI doubt those in authority understand what fairness is. Chances are they were hoping nobody notices the laptops were not to be found.
Hopefully, the NGOs and opposition will continue to track the distribution of the laptops.
Unfortunately, nobody can be trusted.