Former deputy education minister Teo Nie Ching said she learnt about the matter when she asked for an update on the distribution of the tablets under the Peranti Siswa initiative.

She said she was also informed that only 2,764 tablets had been distributed as of Sept 23.

“If we are comparing it to the initial target, that means only 0.46% of the tablets were distributed, but even with the new target, they have only distributed 0.80%,” she told a press conference.

The Kulai MP also questioned the reduction in funds allocated for the initiative.

Under Budget 2022, the government provided an allocation of RM450 million in addition to telecommunication companies’ commitment to contribute about RM65 million.

“However, in the ministry’s reply to me, the total funds were reduced to RM385.3 million, which is only 75% of the original allocation.

“I do not know when all these changes were made, but I think we deserve an answer from the communications and multimedia minister and the finance minister,” she said.