KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is considering increasing its budget allocation for digital devices such as iPads and laptops for students, in response to a growing demand for such tools in education.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said this was based on recent findings which revealed a marked preference among students for digital devices over traditional physical textbooks.

“We conducted a study and found that students today prefer downloading reference materials and reading them directly on iPads, while applications for physical books have significantly declined.

“As such, I’ve instructed Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development) to consider increasing the allocation for iPads, even if it means reducing the budget for book vouchers.

“God willing, this matter will be considered in the upcoming state budget,” he said when speaking at the Premier of Sarawak Best Book Award ceremony held at a leading hotel here on Friday.

As part of its commitment to supporting education, the Sarawak Government, through Yayasan Sarawak, has introduced the Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance and Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance initiatives aimed at aiding students from B40 households currently pursuing tertiary education.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that this measure aligns with the state’s broader aspiration to eventually provide free higher education.

He further emphasised that digital devices would serve as a vital learning tool in the era of digital education, equipping students with the resources they need to succeed.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Daro Assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews