By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, August 13 – The Selangor People’s Tuition Programme (PTRS) has been enhanced with the development of an online application, making it easier for 130,000 students to access learning materials, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The menteri besar said the state administration is also looking to provide free internet data to help students revise their studies at any time, in line with the goal of digitalising the learning process.
“The e-PTRS app will make it easier for them to study. They just need to download the app and can use it at any time. We must also look into data usage, and if necessary, we will provide assistance,” Amirudin said during the launch of the application at Dewan Raja Muda Musa in Seksyen 7 here today.
“Knowledge can be accessed anywhere and at any time. God willing, this mobile app will further improve students’ performance.”
Amirudin said the programme, which was launched in 2008, has introduced new leadership and development modules for post-Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students to prepare for tertiary studies.
Implemented in collaboration with the Selangor branch of Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung, Amirudin said that the module, which will begin next year, will empower students’ abilities while emphasising character building.
“This module will expose students to further education opportunities, whether at universities, sixth-form colleges, or vocational skills institutions. We aim to guide and prepare them for life after school.
“We see PTRS not only keeping students from failing, but also adding value to those who excel. The most evident outcome is the increasing average pass rate for SPM students in the state, and it also helps curb social issues,’’ he said.
Amirudin added that more than 200,000 students may join the programme from next year, with potential collaboration with the federal government.
Last July, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Foundation head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said PTRS involves over 230 schools with an allocation of RM10 million, including student lunch costs.
He said the programme includes additional classes for subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English, mathematics, science, history, and additional mathematics.
