Photos of a temporary internet center in Kampung Bahagia, Kelantan that went viral invited countless questions from netizens as it appeared unsafe for students undergoing online learning (PdPR).
It’s not certain who was the original poster of the photos, but since then, they have gone viral on all social media platforms.
From the photos, the internet center seemed small and could not fit many students. Built completely with tree branches, the internet center also had chairs, tables, and a zinc roof.
Netizens had a mouthful to say after witnessing the conditions.
“The question is if you’re already forced to sit closely with each other why not just do it at school by group? It’s more comfortable and safe. This is next to a forest. Even providing a big tent still makes sense.”
“Can’t you place a canopy that has fans installed? Poor students, they have to bear the heat and sit closely with each other. And what if it rains? I don’t want to complain but this is as if you’re implying that ‘as long as there is one’ [internet center].”
According to sources, it has been understood that Kampung Bahagia isn’t like your average village. To reach it, you need to ride a boat as there is no road access that connects the village to the city.
Pusat internet sementara Kg Bahagia, Kelantan. pic.twitter.com/Gz4s8LRIzL
— FAIZ ZAINAL (@thefaizzainal) July 1, 2021
That may justify why the internet center was built at a small scale as there lacked equipment and transport that could reach the village.
However, according to netizens, despite lack of access towards the village from the city, it isn’t a good reason from authorities to build a center that screams “as long as you have one”.
“People are criticizing because we want your children to be comfortable while learning. How long do you want to be satisfied with work that screams ‘at least you have one’ like this?”
Aduhai… Ni dah tahun 2021 ..buat la canggih skit~buat konsep kontena pon selesa.. Tak la kena hujan panas satgi …benda simple cerni pon korang x leh nak buat.. Kononnya nak save budget.. Aduhai.. pic.twitter.com/SfUlbK73tn
— ファラです！~(￣∀￣)~ (@araaziz_gaw29) July 1, 2021
Netizens continued to say that authorities actually do have the capacity to build a better internet center far better than this despite it being for temporary usage.
They also shared examples of other schools or community centers that were built in rural areas. Despite those examples being temporary as well, they were complete with all the basic necessities to ease learning for students.
For the record, the internet is now a necessity for everyone in Malaysia, whether for a student, or someone who is working. The impact of the pandemic has forced people to work and learn under the new normal.
*Cover Image Credits: Facebook