Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union president Ahmad Malie said excessive workloads and working hours for teachers had been a hotly debated issue even before the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Now, they have to spend more to purchase a more suitable gadget, and have stable and strong internet to ensure that online classes can be implemented effectively,” he told FMT.

“They don’t complain and are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their students are not left behind. However, we hope the education ministry can consider allocating RM1,500 for each teacher each year for such purposes – teaching and learning under the new normal and to prepare other teaching materials,” he said.

He said teachers should focus on nurturing and educating students instead of being burdened with other duties and responsibilities, including using their own resources to conduct online classes during the pandemic.

Adam Prakash Abdullah, president of the Sarawak Teachers’ Union, said: “It is undeniable that we have to fork out extra to conduct the online classes but so far we haven’t received any complaints.”

He added that some teachers in rural areas had to purchase second-hand gadgets to conduct classes since schools were closed for nearly a year.

Adam hoped that telecommunications companies could provide free internet access for the teachers and students, especially those in the remote areas, where they depend on mobile internet data.

“We also hope elected representatives can assist the teachers and students in kind or in cash immediately since schools in the red zones were closed again,” he added.