KOTA KINABALU – Many IT shops here have been selling budget laptops and tablets since the school term started on January 20, as classes are conducted online due to the ongoing movement control order.
Checks at local computer stores at Karamunsing Complex here found that the sales of laptops and tablets have increased of late, especially those with lower specifications.
A Top Macro Network employee, who wants to be known only as Chris, said laptops that cost under RM2,000 were the first to sell out.
“We only have models priced above RM2,000 now. Parents looking for laptops or tablets for their children usually go for the most affordable option.
“We have been sold out on our cheaper models since last week. Hopefully, this week, we will have another shipment coming in. Tablets are the same. The cheaper models with lower specs are usually the first to go.”
Checks with Thundermatch PC employees also revealed the same thing.
“We just sold the last unit of our budget laptop, which cost under RM2,000. Only the more expensive models are available now.
“Parents are opting for the cheapest option. We are not sure when the next shipment will arrive,” said a store worker, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Some parents with more than one child are going for second-hand or refurbished laptops.
Budget PC Sdn Bhd owner Henry Wong, who sells refurbished laptops, said many parents have purchased used devices from him to meet their children’s online learning needs.
“The move towards online classes during this pandemic period has forced parents to find alternatives to ensure that their children’s education is not affected. For parents with a tight budget, used laptops are usually the next best choice. They each cost about RM400 onwards.”
He said most of these units are older office laptops with a pre-installed licensed operating system.
“Our supplier in Kuala Lumpur sources them from the United States, among other countries. But now, it is harder to get supplies into Sabah as stocks are low, partly due to increased demand and movement restrictions.”
Wong said he was made to understand that even computer stores selling new laptops are finding it hard to get supplies.
“Manufacturing activities are affected due to the pandemic, hence, supply is limited in the market.”
Similarly, checks with Allied R Resources Enterprise, another shop selling second-hand computers, also found it hard to replenish stock.
“At the moment we still have stock, but units have been harder to get of late from suppliers in the peninsula,” said an employee, who wants to be known only as Lan.
Earlier, it was reported that although online classes for primary and secondary schools began on January 20, the 150,000 laptops promised by the federal government for e-learning have yet to materialise.
This has led to suggestions from opposition parties in Sabah for school lessons to be broadcast instead.
Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang suggested school lessons be broadcast on television and radio channels, so parents, especially those from lower-income groups, do not need to spend money on additional gadgets for their children.
The DAP rep said doing so will ease the burden of families who have several children and cannot afford to buy gadgets for each child.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor had on January 26 said he will look into providing electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops or tablets, to assist underprivileged students in the state with their online studies. – The Vibes, February 4, 2021
