KUALA LUMPUR: Educators are hoping for the enhancement of digital studies through the Education Ministry’s Digital Education Policy in Budget 2025.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad said quality infrastructure is essential for Malaysian education.
“We hope this initiative will be implemented in all schools and not just a select few, supported by significant funding for infrastructure, Internet access, devices, teacher training and more,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of addressing basic facilities in schools, noting that improvements to school toilets for students’ comfort have already begun.
He hoped that teachers’ offices and rooms would also receive more allocation in the future.
Anuar said increased funding was also needed to assist targeted groups, especially underprivileged students.
This includes school assistance programmes to ensure that all students have access to quality education, Bernama reported.
“We cannot establish a quality education system if these groups do not receive adequate support.
“The widening gap between the rich and the poor will lead to significant issues within our education system,” he added.
The 2025 Budget, themed “Ekonomi Madani, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera” will be tabled in Parliament on Oct 18.
Meanwhile, education activist Mak Chee Kin suggested that direct allocations should be made to Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) for the repair, maintenance and upgrading of school facilities based on their specific needs.
“Many schools are in poor condition, but the current process requires them to apply for assistance from the District Education Offices (PPD) or State Education Departments (JPN), which often delays funding approval,” he said.
“If they’re fortunate, they might receive aid within a year, but in many cases, it can take years.”
To address these issues, Mak suggested cutting down the red tape and allowing schools or PTAs to apply directly to the Education Ministry.
“Approvals should also be granted directly rather than going through JPN.
“It’s an open secret that it would be cheaper for schools or PTAs to deal directly with contractors,” he added.
Meanwhile, teacher Roziani Mohamad Yusoff, 31, expressed her hope that Budget 2025 will focus not only on students’ needs, but also on improving the welfare of teachers.
She called for assistance with teaching resources to create a more conducive and engaging learning environment.
