By Yussof Jimbang
KOTA KINABALU: The transformation of education requires a two-way relationship between educational institutions and the government, but controlling digital access among students demands urgent guidelines.
Newly elected assemblyman for Kuamut, Datuk Masiung Banah, emphasized that the unchecked misuse of social media among students today is a virus that necessitates comprehensive reform.
“Digital access control among students should be established promptly to prevent it from worsening,” he said when speaking to the media after officiating the Appreciation & Excellence Awards Ceremony for Year 6 at Sacred Heart Primary School 2025 here today.
He suggested that the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (MCMC) should collaborate to draft new policies to regulate digital access for students.
Masiung stressed that this step is crucial, especially for primary and secondary students, so they can understand the limits of social media use, particularly regarding the spread of false information.
He expressed concern that the unregulated digital wave among students at various levels has contributed to the risk of educational decline, and it must be addressed based on policies and laws.
“The government should pay attention to this issue, as we, as leaders at the state level and parents, have long raised this concern, yet no appropriate action has been taken.
“The government’s efforts to elevate human capital will hit a dead end as long as the reform to combat student digital misuse is not addressed,” he added.
