SEVERAL Members of Parliament raised the issue of the effectiveness of home-based teaching and learning when debating the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Jugah Anak Muyang @ Tambat (Independent-Lubok Antu) said the approach was ineffective in rural areas due to the lack of internet connectivity.

“For example, in Lubok Antu, although there are many telecommunication poles, the transmitter plates have yet to be installed. This is one of the reasons why the internet speed is still in the weak category,” he said.

He added it has become a burden to students and teachers in rural areas.

Similarly, Hasan Bahrom (PH-Tampin) brought up the lack of devices among students to enable them to participate in the sessions.

“We don’t know how the students will catch up with their school lessons if they have no devices even though there is high-speed internet access. The same goes for those who have devices but with weak or no internet connectivity.

“All of these affect their studies, particularly students in rural areas,” he said.

Oscar Ling Chai Yew (PH-Sibu) urged the Education Ministry to postpone the reopening of schools, scheduled for next month, as the number of Covid-19 cases in Sarawak was still high.

A total of 91 MPs have been taking part in debating the motion of thanks for the royal address since September 14, the day after the opening ceremony of the fourth term of the 14th Parliament. – Bernama, September 21, 2021.