MP says rural students don't have enough data for e-learning, urges unlimited access

CORONAVIRUS | Sepanggar MP Mohd Azis Jamman (above) has urged telecommunications companies to consider providing unlimited data for free during the movement control order (MCO) period.

He pointed out that schools are now moving towards online learning during the partial lockdown period but some students, particularly those in rural areas, don't have enough data to participate in e-learning.

"During the MCO period, many teachers have been organising online classes.

"However, many students, particularly in rural areas, are facing difficulties joining these classes due to not having enough data.

"Their parents are already struggling to buy food due to loss of income, let alone to purchase data," Azis said in a statement.

As such, he urged the telecommunications companies to provide free unlimited data during the MCO period as a social responsibility.

The Warisan lawmaker said he had conducted online surveys to find out the number of people in each household in his constituency so that the appropriate assistance could be distributed.

However, Azis said, some of the constituents, too, were facing difficulties due to not having enough data.

He said during the partial lockdown, internet access is not an option but a necessity.

"Therefore, I appeal to all telecommunications companies in the country to assist the government and the people by providing unlimited access during the MCO period as part of their social responsibility to their customers," Azis said.

At present, the companies are providing free 1GB of data each day.

Malaysia had been under a partial lockdown since March 18 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The MCO has been extended twice, and will now continue to be in force until April 28.

Under the MCO, all non-essential businesses and services must close while the people are only allowed to leave their homes for approved reasons. All schools have also been closed. - Mkini