Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat today, Lukanisman Awang Sauni (GPS-Sibuti) expressed concern over academic performance in Sarawak and how there could be a widening of the education gap between rural and urban areas, leading to “a lost generation”.

He said 14 schools in the interior in his constituency had fewer than 50 students and were located close to longhouses.

“One school in Sibuti only has 20 students and is just several metres from the students’ homes. But it has not reopened, and there have been no detailed SOPs on how schools in the interior can reopen amid Covid-19.

“These schools are near longhouses, but students have to look for internet access far away from home, when their school is right there. Some students journey into farms and climb hills just to get internet access.

“I’m confused as to why no other measures were formulated to allow these children to go to school amid the pandemic,” he said when debating the King’s speech today.

Lukanisman added that some parents had even resorted to leaving their villages altogether and residing in the city temporarily just so their child could follow online lessons.

“I suggest that state education directors and district education officers be given the authority to reopen schools, particularly in rural areas.”

Schools in states under Phase 1 and most in Phase 2 of the national recovery plan will remain closed, while those in Phase 3 and 4 will reopen as scheduled on Oct 3.