Puad noted these schools face numerous challenges such as the lack of internet connectivity, telephone coverage, electricity supply, clean water and transportation.

He also said the physical condition of rural schools, including dormitories, teachers’ housing, libraries and computer labs, was poor.

“Does online learning take into account all these issues?” he asked in a statement today.

“If teachers and experts also criticise online learning, it will certainly be difficult to implement this in the interior due to logistical constraints.

“That is why it is appropriate for the education minister to visit rural schools and see this (situation) for himself.”

After spending most of last year on online lessons, students across the country returned to online learning after the Hari Raya break , which ran from May 11 to 15 for schools in Group A and May 11 to 16 for schools in Group B.

Group A comprises schools in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu while Group B comprises schools in other states and the federal territories.