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Kota Kinabalu: The State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KPSTI) received numerous complaints and reports from schools and parents regarding delays in the implementation of the project to provide internet services by YTL in schools across Sabah. 

“These delays have had a direct impact on the teaching and learning process as well as on efforts to digitalise education in 736 schools that use fibre Point-of-Presence (PoP) technology,” said Minister Datuk James Ratib, Wednesday. 

Among the main issues are unsatisfactory internet services in several schools, including bandwidth that does not meet the levels promised, slow response from YTL in addressing complaints submitted by schools and delays in the installation of fibre PoP infrastructure despite locations having been identified.

Some PoPs are also not yet ready for use even though they have been listed as completed and a number of schools still rely on 1BestariNet towers, resulting in internet access that remains low in quality and inconsistent.

“We take this matter seriously, as stable and high-quality internet access is a basic necessity in the modern education system, particularly to support digital learning and more efficient school management.

“The State Government will comprehensively reassess YTL’s performance, including compliance with implementation timelines, the quality of services provided, as well as management and responsiveness efficiency to complaints,” he said.

James explained that this evaluation aims to ensure that there are no prolonged delays that continue to affect the teaching and learning process, especially in rural and remote schools.

“Should there be credible evidence of delays or failures in implementation by YTL, the State Government will not hesitate to terminate the appointment in the interest of students, teachers and the sustainability of the State’s education system,” he said. 

The State Government remains committed to ensuring that every school receives stable, high-quality and effective internet access, in line with the aspiration to strengthen education based on science, technology and innovation.