Jonathan Chai, chairman of the Federation of Boards of Management for SJK Chung Hua of Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions, said the education ministry must resolve the fundamental problems of online teaching, such as internet access and families that cannot afford a computer or a smartphone.

“With the limited hours of educational TV programmes, I am doubtful that it would actually offer a lot of help to the students concerned,” he told FMT.

“Some families in the rural and interior areas don’t even have any television set. So, how do you expect students in those areas to benefit from this additional programmes,” he said, adding that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic may have driven the gulf in education between the urban and rural areas further apart.

He said there is also a need to properly train the teachers so that they are able to conduct online classes efficiently.

Chai was commenting on the decision by the government to increase the number of educational TV programmes to complement the online learning experience for students at home, as well as for examination students who are attending classes in school.

The education ministry said an additional two-hour slot would be added in the Didik TV programme on NTV7, specifically to help Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia candidates.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Teachers’ Union president Adam Prakash Abdullah said it is important for everyone to provide viable assistance to all the students throughout the country.

He called for students in rural areas where there is no TV reception to be provided lessons via recordings that could be distributed to teachers, parents and students.

“We hope the government would also consider this option as there are places in the country where there is no or poor TV reception. Time is very limited and therefore prompt action has to be taken so our students can be prepared for their exams,” he said.