KUALA LUMPUR – PKR communications chief Fahmi Fadzil has taken Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz to task for failing to come clean on the government’s initiative to equip poor students for online learning.
In a Facebook post yesterday, the Lembah Pantai MP shared a screenshot of Putrajaya’s Cerdik initiative, indicating the laptops rolled out to children from low-income families are to be returned after use.
“Not only do we not know when the 150,000 laptops will be distributed, but the laptops must be given back.
“We thought that they were meant to be given away, (but it) turns out that it’s just a loan.
“Why didn’t Tengku Zafrul proudly announce this when tabling Budget 2021 the other day?”
According to the Cerdik website, the procedure for owning a laptop, tablet and data connection under the programme is similar to the Textbook Loan Scheme in place in schools.
“Device packages and data connections will be donated to the school, which will, in turn, be lent to selected students.
“Pupils and parents will be notified before the devices are distributed. Parental cooperation is requested to ensure the devices are used properly.”
When tabling Budget 2021 on November 6 last year, Tengku Zafrul announced a RM150 million fund to purchase 150,000 laptops for students in 500 schools nationwide.
The money was pooled together by government-linked companies and related investment firms that contribute to the Cerdik Fund.
In late January, Tengku Zafrul said the laptops’ distribution will take place this month to ensure students from the B40 group, or households with a monthly income of below RM4,850, can continue their education online, from home.
However, opposition leaders have criticised the timing of the roll-out, as schools had already turned to online classes, education TV programmes and other teaching methods when the new term resumed on January 20. – The Vibes, February 9, 2021
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