MOHE getting best deals on data plans, devices to facilitate PdP

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, said MOHE is committed to ensuring that all students of institutions of higher learning (IPTs) are able to access the internet no matter where they are.

According to her, the initiative is important in MOHE's efforts to achieve the equity aspect for all students to get equal educational rights without the gap between urban and rural areas

"Indeed, access to internet is very critical to enable students to follow teaching and learning (PdP) sessions online in a conducive manner.

"Undoubtedly, students have to bear the high cost of subscribing to a data plan package for access to the internet," she said in a statement today.

Noraini said since the launch of the Data Plan and Device Package for IPT students from the targeted B40 category on 30 October 2020, a total of 195,028 data plans and 3,773 devices have been distributed to the students until 31 December 2020.

Meanwhile, a total of 3,997 laptops and desktops are in the process of being procured by MOHE to be distributed to students.

The MOHE initiative also includes getting the best deals from data plan and device provider companies as follows:

Noraini added that MOHE has also held discussions with Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for another financial loan initiative underthe BSN MyRinggit-i COMSIS Scheme for the purchase of laptops by IPT students.

"KPT through Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS) has also launched a crowdfunding initiative through Tabung Prihatin Siswa as a platform to invite outsiders to be together with MOHE in channelling contributions to help alleviate the difficulties of students who need to continue (PdP) without constraint," she said.