Dewan Negara News In Brief: March 11

OVER 400,000 TEACHERS HAVE UNDERGONE DIGITAL COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT

KUALA LUMPUR -- A total of 403,618 teachers have undergone a digital competency assessment as of Dec 31, 2024, the Dewan Negara was told today. 

Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the results showed that 23.9 per cent of teachers were at the basic level of digital competency, 74.3 per cent were at the intermediate level and only 1.8 per cent were at the advanced level.

"Training on digital education has been continuously provided to our teachers. As of Dec 31, 2024, a total of 1,410 teachers have obtained professional certification and are recognised as members of the KPM JAUHARI Expert Team," he said during a question-and-answer session.

He was replying to Senator Amir Md Ghazali's supplementary question about teachers' digital competency levels and the ministry's efforts to enhance their digital skills.

Wong added that strategic partnerships with organisations such as Microsoft, Google and Apple have focused on digital expertise, with specialised training provided for teachers.

-- BERNAMA 

TRANS-BORNEO RAILWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY EXPECTED TO CONCLUDE IN 2026

KUALA LUMPUR -- The feasibility study for the Trans-Borneo Railway Project, which aims to assess the viability of a railway network in Sabah and Sarawak, is expected to be completed in 2026, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.

He said the 12-month study would cover technical, commercial, socio-economic and project financing models, with its findings serving as the foundation for physical project applications and railway system development in Sabah and Sarawak.

"The government is confident that the study will assist in planning a railway network more objectively, ultimately achieving the government’s vision of enhancing connectivity and boosting logistics activities between major cities in Sabah and Sarawak," he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.

He was replying to a question from Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew, who asked about the government's plans to develop a railway system in Sarawak and Sabah, particularly between major cities.

-- BERNAMA

SABAH SEES 95 PER CENT OCCUPANCY IN 35 PPR PROJECTS

KUALA LUMPUR -- A total of 35 People's Housing Programme (PPR) projects have been built in Sabah, with 23,598 housing units handed over for occupancy so far, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said that as of Feb 28, PPR occupancy in Sabah has reached 95.2 per cent, or 22,461 units.

"All 35 PPR projects in Sabah operate under a rental scheme. The PPR projects are managed by the Sabah Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), which oversees the application, occupancy and overall management of PPR units," she said during a question-and-answer session.

She was replying to a question from Senator Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian on the collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing delays in PPR application processes.

Aiman Athirah said to tackle delays, the ministry has strengthened its collaboration with the Sabah government, including KKTP Sabah and local authorities, to expedite the application and handover process for eligible applicants.

-- BERNAMA