Teacher in Sarawak subscribes to Starlink for students using own money

BY: Patrick Beech

There appears to be hope when it comes to Internet connectivity issues in rural areas.

Much has been said about Starlink since it was made available in Malaysia. The broadband satellite Internet is expected to improve connectivity issues in Malaysia, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim earlier saying the focus was on schools, colleges and universities.

It is known that remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak, and also in the Peninsular sometimes face problems when it comes to digital connectivity. A Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) student went viral once when she had to climb a tree to get good service for her online exam.

One teacher at a school in Sarawak, identified only as Cikgu Izzat, used his personal savings to buy a Starlink kit so his students could get Internet access.

The teacher's noble deed went viral on TikTok after it was shared by @amoimorni.

"Cikgu Izzat is so happy that the Starlink device has arrived. Let's see how it fares later," she posted.

The Starlink self-install kit is priced at RM2,300 with a monthly subscription of RM220. According to the company, there is no contract attached. According to Starlink's availability map, the entire Peninsular as well as Sabah and Sarawak are covered.

When someone commented in amazement that the Starlink device has arrived at this particular school, @amoimorni clarified that they purchased the unit themselves.

The person who commented was most likely referring to the 40 units that Anwar said had already been ordered for several educational institutions.

"Sorry, we bought this ourselves. Even though we used our own money, credit still goes to those who brought Starlink to Malaysia. This makes it easier for us to get a better Internet connection," she wrote in reply.

She also stressed that no one sponsored the device and commended the speedy delivery of the starter kit.