Hajiji said the state was aware of the problems students were facing, particularly with the implementation of the online teaching and learning programme from home under the movement control order (MCO).

“We will consider giving help in the form of digital devices to students because those from needy families are facing a lot of hardship,” he said.

He added that the government was also making an effort to improve the digital communication issues in Sabah by upgrading more than 2,000 existing telecommunication towers, apart from constructing 400 new ones.

According to Hajiji, the project, costing some RM2.6 billion, would begin this year under the National Digital Network Plan and was expected to be completed in two years’ time.

“The government understands the needs of the people as well as students in rural areas, more so during the MCO. We will get to enjoy the benefits when the digital communication facilities are improved,” he said, adding that the upgrading and building efforts have been delayed because of Covid-19.

“This is because not much movement  can be done during the MCO. The government must look after the people’s safety and the economy as well but I am confident that when we are in the conditional MCO phase, the implementation will be smoother,” Hajiji said.