Chief minister Hajiji Noor said 10,000 laptops will be distributed under phase one of the Bantuan Ihsan Komputer (BAIK) programme, from July 19 until Oct 18.

He said under phase one of BAIK, the laptops will be distributed to 9,842 students from national secondary schools and national vernacular secondary schools as well as 158 from the Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri.

“The state government hopes this will assist needy students.

“This is the state government’s approach to help them so that they will not be left out of the home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) programme.

“Those selected will be students whose parents or guardians are categorised as hardcore poor under the e-Kasih list.

“The chosen laptops of various brands can also be used by the students when they pursue further studies,” he said in a statement today.

Prior to this, Hajiji said the state Cabinet had agreed to set up a committee, to be jointly chaired by the special tasks minister and the science, technology and innovation minister, to find ways to assist poor students so that they would not be left out of the PdPR programme.

“The special tasks ministry will be responsible for preparing the list of eligible students who fit the criteria set by the state Education Department.

“The state science, technology and innovation minister will identify and decide on the laptops for eligible students,” he said.

Meanwhile, Yayasan Petronas has provided 12,000 students nationwide with devices and data connectivity.

Yayasan Petronas, in a statement today, said the digital devices, worth RM30 million, were being supplied to 81 schools in 69 districts from May 17 until mid-June as part of its commitment to the national CERDIK initiative.

Yayasan Petronas chief executive officer Nelly Francis Shariah said through CERDIK, the foundation aims to provide equitable access to quality education for students.

“During these difficult times, we must help ensure that no one gets left behind in the pursuit of education.”

According to a survey of 900,000 students conducted by the education ministry last year, 37% indicated that they did not have appropriate devices at home to participate in online lessons.