430,000 computer tablets for teachers by next June

KUALA LUMPUR: The distribution of free tablets as a teaching aid for 430,000 teachers nationwide will be completed before June next year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan said to date 182,712 tablets worth RM152 million had been issued to teachers in several states, including Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya, Selangor and Perak.

“The tablet is for teachers to access the question database and facilitate their tasks in preparing exercises for pupils aimed at improving the quality of learning and teaching,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Sim Chee Keong (DAP-Bukit Mertajam).

To a supplementary question from Bung Mokhtar (BN-Kinabatangan) on broadband coverage, particularly in interior schools, Kamalanathan said the ministry would work with the Communications and Multimedia Ministry on the best solution.

In response to Mastura Mohd Yazid (BN-Kuala Kangsar) on best-selling local publications in the market and its sales percentages, the deputy minister said the top spot last year went to books on language published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, at 46.04%.

“Literary books came next (26.45%), followed by religious books (5.04%), health (4.79%) and agriculture (4.52%). All five types are popular and in demand by the public.”

Meanwhile, he said that since 2012, the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (IBTM), had published books by 523 local authors.

It had a current pool of 2,300 translators. But only 500 were active. -FMT