Online studies: Data and device assistance for higher education students

Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad. -filepic

PETALING JAYA: Higher education students can now get data plans and electronic devices to be used for their online studies.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said the ministry has taken steps by implementing several initiatives to facilitate students' access to the online teaching and learning (PdP) process.

She said that new students for the 2020/2021 academic year will be receiving RM50 cash aid to purchase data plans and other necessities, adding that about RM3.8mil has been allocated for this and is expected to benefit over 76,100 students.

Noraini also said that RM24mil has been allocated to provide 320,396 B40 students with SIM cards, or cash or vouchers to subscribe to data plans.

She added that a device aid scheme will see 8,965 targeted B40 students in public universities receiving either a free or loaned laptops, or cash or vouchers to purchase it to use for their PdP.

“At the same time, all higher education students will be given a special discount (to purchase laptops) from companies such as Acer and Samsung, ” she added during the launch of the data plan and device packages for higher education institution students on Friday (Oct 30).

She added that the public higher education institutions had worked together with her ministry to identify the students who need this assistance.

“The ministry together are planning and working with all higher learning institutions on improving the infrastructure and digital learning content, as well as computer applications to strengthen the ‘digitisation of education’ agenda in the higher education sector.

“This agenda is important for the future and development of higher education in Malaysia, ” said Noraini.

She added that the ministry is deeply concerned by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the rakyat and students in particular.

“The ministry hopes that the assistance and initiatives offered can alleviate the burden faced by students during the Covid-19 pandemic and can be utilised to the fullest," said Noraini.