Culture & Entertainment · Malaysia Bureau
Over 70% of Johor primary pupils absent from online classes during haze
A parents' group in Johor has raised concerns over widespread absenteeism among primary school students during online learning, citing parental work commitments and lack of digital access as key barriers.
LSN Malaysia ·
More than 70 per cent of primary school pupils in Johor are not attending online classes, according to reports from a local parents' association. The high absenteeism rate has emerged as schools shift to remote learning during periods of poor air quality linked to regional haze.
The parents' group attributes the significant dropout to multiple challenges facing households. Many working parents are unable to remain at home to provide guidance or supervision for their children during online sessions, leaving students without the necessary support to participate effectively in classes.
Digital access remains another critical obstacle, with a portion of students lacking the devices required for online learning. This disparity in access to technology has created barriers for disadvantaged families attempting to keep their children engaged with their education.
The situation underscores broader concerns about educational continuity when schools transition to remote learning, particularly in addressing socioeconomic disparities among student populations. Education authorities have not yet issued public statements responding to the parents' group's findings.