Paitan (Dec 21) - Hundreds of schools in Sabah’s interior areas remain without internet access, deepening the digital divide between rural and urban students, according to newly appointed state Education Minister Datuk James Ratib.
He said improving connectivity is a top priority for the Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, as many rural schools and communities still lack basic internet access, limiting students’ ability to benefit from digital learning.
James said satellite-based solutions such as Starlink, deployed through federal initiatives and state agencies like Sabah Net, are being prioritised for schools without connectivity. About 300 schools have already been connected, with a further 80 to 100 expected to gain access this year, depending on funding.
Despite this progress, he noted that an estimated 300 to 400 schools statewide are still offline. James said he has appointed an officer to oversee the rollout and will raise the matter with the Chief Minister to seek additional funding so rural schools and communities can enjoy the same access as those in urban areas.