BINTANGOR: The Ministry of Education (KPM) is urged to provide sufficient allocations to ensure the implementation of the Digital Education Policy can be realised effectively, especially in rural areas.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that the implementation of the education digitisation agenda requires the provision of sufficient basic facilities including computers, LED projectors and various support equipment to assist the teaching and learning process (PdP).

"If the government aspires to make the Digital Education Policy a success, then the ministry needs to provide large funds to implement the policy.

“A good policy must be introduced alongside providing the basic requirements to implement it,” he said when speaking at the Gawai Pengerami Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Mupong, here on Thursday.

In a related development, Datuk Abdullah also urged the ministry to draw focus to the lack of funds faced by schools to carry out extracurricular, social and sports activities, particularly in rural areas.

According to him, in addition to the issue of dilapidated schools, the aspect of student development through activities outside the classroom also requires sufficient financial support.

The Semop Assemblyman explained that co-curricular activities play an important role in creating a more cheerful school atmosphere and help form students who are resilient, confident and possess good social skills.

He added that many dedicated teachers had various creative ideas to implement student development programmes, but were unable to be realised due to funding constraints.

Accordingly, he expressed hope that the government would focus comprehensive attention to the actual needs of schools by strengthening physical facilities, increasing co-curricular funds and providing sufficient allocations to make the national digital education agenda a success. -UKASnews