LIMBANG: Limbang has been selected as one of the implementation areas for the Rural Digital Education Model School (SIMPEL) initiative to strengthen digital education in rural areas through more targeted and innovative approaches.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the parliamentary constituency was chosen due to its unique challenges involving internet connectivity and access to technological facilities, which require solutions tailored to local needs.
She said SIMPEL is not only focused on improving infrastructure, but also serves as a catalyst for the implementation of the Digital Education Policy (DPD) aimed at producing digitally literate students and educators skilled in technology-based teaching methods.
“The selection of Limbang is different from other parliamentary constituencies because it was chosen to realise the larger agenda of rural digital education,” she told reporters during the Follow-Up Parliament Programme Series One 2026 on Rural Education Quality Support at SMK Agama Limbang as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Among the initiatives introduced is the use of DELIMa Edge at SMK Agama Limbang as a proof-of-concept project to ensure digital learning can continue even in areas with unstable internet connectivity.
Meanwhile, SK Limpaku Pinang will implement the Network Offline Digital Environment (NODE) mechanism, allowing the school to function as a micro digital hub without relying entirely on internet access.
Fadhlina said the approach demonstrates that rural schools are still capable of fully utilising digital technology despite facing connectivity limitations.
At the same time, the Professional Support Programme (PSP) under DPD 2026 will focus on technical guidance, digital pedagogy and the provision of devices for teachers and students, particularly in rural areas.
As part of the initiative, all eight schools in Limbang will each receive a smart board, while 140 tablets will be distributed to seven schools.
Six primary schools will also receive RM50,000 each to strengthen their respective digital excellence programmes.
Fadhlina said the ministry is also implementing the Inclusive Preschool Expansion Programme (PIPS) to ensure children in rural areas have access to safe, quality and inclusive early childhood education.
She said upgrading works involving a preschool classroom at SMK Agama Limbang are expected to be completed by June this year, while the construction of two new preschool classrooms at SK Bandar Limbang is expected to be completed this month.
“The ministry is also addressing local education issues through the Limbang Parliament Education Issues Solution (SIPP), which covers infrastructure, teachers’ welfare and school safety through collaboration with various agencies,” she said.
Fadhlina added that three schools — SK Limpaku Pinang, SK Lubok Tekurok and SK Telahak — received a total allocation of RM624,125.10 for maintenance works involving quarters, preschools, walkways and water tanks.
Also present were Deputy Transport Minister and Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah, Deputy director-general of Education Malaysia (School Operations Sector) Zainal Abas and Sarawak Education director Omar Mahli.
