24-05-2025
Sarawak mulls increasing allocation for digital learning devices like iPads, laptops for students
Abang Johari browsing through the books on display at the event. Also seen are Safiee (left) and Abang Haliman (right) and Dr Annuar (background). – Photo by Information Department (Penerangan)
KUCHING (May 24): The Sarawak government is considering increasing its allocation for digital devices such as iPads and laptops for students, following rising demand for such tools over traditional books.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said students today are more inclined to access books and reference materials digitally, leading to a decline in requests for physical books.
'We have conducted a study and found that our children nowadays are more inclined to download books onto their iPads or laptops. They would rather read reference materials directly from these devices. Requests for physical books have decreased significantly.'
'Therefore, I have told Datuk Annuar Rapaee (Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development) to increase the allocation for iPads, but we will have to reduce the budget for book vouchers,' he said when delivering his keynote address at the Sarawak Premier's Best Book Awards Ceremony at a hotel here last night.
These digital devices will assist students to gain knowledge online, he said.
Abang Johari said that if all goes well, the budget proposal will be presented at the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
The move aligns with the state government's ongoing digital transformation efforts and its goal of improving access to education, especially for students from the B40 income group.
Currently, the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Foundation runs initiatives such as the 'Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance' and 'Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance' to support B40 students in higher education institutions.
Among those present at the ceremony were Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, Department of Language and Literature Development director Abang Haliman Abang Julai, DPB Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail, heads of departments, and other dignitaries. Abang Johari Tun Openg books devices education ipad laptops
