In a joint statement, Pakatan Harapan’s education committee, along with other opposition parties, said educational programmes on radio would be a good alternative for students in rural areas who do not have access to the internet or electronic devices.

Citing a study by the education ministry, the committee said 36.9% of students nationwide did not own any electronic devices, thus hampering online learning sessions.

Further, it added that existing educational TV programmes would not benefit all students equally due to limited broadcast slots and infrastructural constraints.

“Therefore, the education ministry needs a long-term action plan to address this problem. In addition to existing internet-based learning methods, the ministry should provide a more holistic platform for all teachers and students to enjoy,” it said.

The committee also urged the government to work together with telecommunications companies to fund these radio-based educational programmes.