By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 24: The Sarawak government is considering raising its budget allocation for digital devices like tablets and laptops for students to meet the rising demand for these tools in education.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this followed recent findings indicating a preference among students for digital devices over physical textbooks.
“We conducted a study and found that students today prefer downloading reference materials and reading them directly on iPads, while applications for physical books have significantly declined.
“As such, I’ve instructed Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development) to consider increasing the allocation for iPads, even if it means reducing the budget for book vouchers.
“Hopefully, this matter will be considered in the upcoming State budget,” he said when speaking at the Premier of Sarawak Best Book Award ceremony held at a leading hotel here on Friday night (May 23).
As part of its commitment to supporting education, the Sarawak government, through Yayasan Sarawak, has introduced the Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance and Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance initiatives aimed towards assisting students from B40 households who are currently pursuing tertiary education.
The Premier added that this measure aligns with the State’s broader aspiration to provide free higher education eventually.
He further emphasised that digital devices would serve as a vital learning tool in the era of digital education, equipping students with the resources they need to succeed.
Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya; and Daro assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, were also present. — DayakDaily
