Malaysia students face challenges with online learning during haze

Online home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) methods are proving difficult for primary school students in Malaysia, particularly those aged seven to nine. Dr. Anuar Ahmad from the Institute for Inclusive Development Malaysia (MINDA UKM) noted that younger children require face-to-face interaction and close supervision to maintain attention and understand lessons effectively. He suggested that while online learning suits secondary students and university students, younger pupils may benefit more from adjusted in-person schedules or safer learning environments when schools close due to health concerns like haze.

In areas such as Kampung Sri Lukut and Kampung Temigol, poor internet connectivity is exacerbating these educational challenges. One 11-year-old student reported having to travel 10 kilometers to Kahang town daily to access a stable connection, a journey taking approximately two hours. Local residents indicate that connectivity issues have persisted for a year due to damaged transmitter towers, affecting hundreds of students across several local schools.