Malaysian kids have spent quite a lot of time studying from home recently because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

While children in the cities try and more urban areas get used to their new online classrooms, children in rural areas across the country are struggling to get decent internet connection.

A picture of a group of children sitting on gunny sacks spread out over a dirt road in Ulu Medamit, Limbang, Sarawak has gained quite a lot of attention recently.

The picture is an example of the struggles that children in rural areas and especially in East Malaysia have to go through just to gain knowledge.

The struggles that these kids go through to learn

"This is the situation of the PDPR (Teaching-Learning From Home) students in the Ulu Medamit area. I feel sorry for them. The internet line here is uncertain like Chipsmore," detailed Facebook user Lenneth Xabi who posted pictures of the five children on the Limbang Facebook Community page on 15 June.

"They have to wait 30mins to an hour for the internet line to reappear. It's there for a moment and then it disappears. It's difficult for them to learn.

"It's easier in the mornings because it is not so hot," he added, hoping that the authorities would improve the internet connection in the area soon.



Other than the mats, the kids also have straw hats and a cap with them, possibly to help keep cool in the afternoon sun.

What are the authorities doing?

The post has been shared more than 800 times, with many praising the kids for their will to continue studying despite the difficult circumstances.

Many also called for the authorities to do more to help them.

Internet connection issues have plagued most of East Malaysia for years now, with the government constantly promising to improve the infrastructure "soon".

Soon needs to come sooner, though, or else the kids in these rural areas will be at risk of being left further behind and we will have no one but ourselves to blame.