Yearning for better internet access

SIBU: The ‘new normal’ brought about by Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated the need for online learning but without good internet connectivity, rural students will continue to lag behind their urban counterparts, says Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research said in view of this, the federal government needs to prioritise the strengthening of internet infrastructure and connectivity to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.

“With education moving towards online teaching and learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, rural students will be playing catch-up in their studies with their urban counterparts.

“In the long run, this digital divide will lead to the widening of disparity between rural and urban communities. Bear in mind, not everyone has equal access to internet connectivity,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.

Dr Annuar, who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, said recent news reports on the plight of Sabahan sisters Rechellyna and Ryverra Rinus, who have to study under a makeshift shed on a hilltop 400 metres from their house in Keningau in order to get better internet reception for their online learning, speaks volumes of the urgency for internet connectivity to be improved.

He said the Sarawak government has already embarked on developing Information Technology (IT) infrastructure in the state by rolling out initiatives such as building telecommunication towers to boost internet coverage and speed, in addition to setting up Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).

“According to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak is expected to achieve full internet connectivity by 2025.