Insufficient funding threatens rural digital education, co-curricular programmes

Abdullah speaking at the Gawai celebration programme held at SK Mupong in Bintangor on June 25, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

260626-education funding
By DayakDaily Team

BINTANGOR, June 26: The Ministry of Education has been urged to provide sufficient funding to equip rural schools with the necessary tools for digital learning, as well as to support co-curricular and sports activities, in order to ensure the success of the nation’s broader education agenda.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, said the effective implementation of the Digital Education Policy requires adequate basic infrastructure, particularly in rural schools.

“This includes computers, LED projectors and other essential teaching aids to support teaching and learning (PdP).

“If the government wants to make the Digital Education Policy a success, then the ministry must allocate substantial funding to drive the policy,” he said, adding that policies must be matched with proper resources to ensure they can be effectively implemented.

He highlighted this when speaking at the Gawai celebration programme held at SK Mupong on Thursday (June 25).

Abdullah also stressed the need for greater attention to the persistent lack of funding faced by schools, particularly in interior areas, for co-curricular, social and sports activities.

He said student development extends beyond classroom learning and requires strong financial backing to be fully realised, especially in strengthening co-curricular programmes.

“Co-curricular activities play a crucial role in creating a more vibrant school environment while nurturing resilient, confident students with strong social and interpersonal skills.

“Many dedicated teachers have creative ideas for student development programmes, but these often cannot be implemented due to limited allocations,” he stressed.

As such, he called on the federal government to take a more holistic approach in addressing the real needs of schools by strengthening physical infrastructure, increasing co-curricular funding, and ensuring adequate allocations to successfully implement the national digital education agenda. — DayakDaily