KUALA LUMPUR: The education sector should be prioritised in Budget 2022, especially in the provision of improved Internet access and digital devices, with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) set to continue as part of the new norm, says the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP).

       In making this call, its president Aminuddin Awang hopes the government will provide allocations to upgrade Internet connectivity in schools to facilitate PdPR sessions in the post-Covid-19 era.

       “We can learn from previous sessions on how important technology and Internet access are for students. Even though the schools have reopened, PdPR will be an important medium of support for face-to-face schooling,” he told Bernama yesterday.

       Aminuddin also called on the government to consider creating a new maximum grade for teachers in school, namely grade DG56.

       Sharing a similar sentiment, International Islamic University Malaysia Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences dean Dr Gairuzazmi Mat Ghani suggests that the government focus on the problems faced by university students during online class sessions, especially those from the B40 group.

       He said although the country was preparing to shift to the endemic Covid-19 phase, it was very likely that students of institutions of higher learning (IPT) would continue online PdPR sessions which require the use of the latest technology.

       National Parents and Teachers Association Consultative Council president Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan said a special allocation should be provided to help the poor with their children’s education expenses.