Malaysia’s Muhyiddin could see state election damaged by girl studying in treetop for better Wi-fi

Veveonah Mosibin’s viral video showing herself studying on top of a tree – for better Wi-fi – has drawn attention to the state’s poor infrastructure

Her story comes as Sabah is gearing up for a state election that could cost the federal government a much-needed boost to its slim majority

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Veveonah Mosibin posted a video of herself studying on a wooden platform in Sabah, Malaysia. Photo: YouTube

Published: 9:30am, 13 Sep 2020Updated: 1:01am, 18 Dec 2020

A viral video of a Malaysian student in Sabah who filmed herself studying and taking exams from the tree tops – where she had better Wi-fi – has drawn attention to the lagging state of infrastructure and development in the far reaches of the Bornean state.

Veveonah Mosibin, 18, was praised for her grit and resourcefulness for erecting a makeshift wooden platform kitted out with a mosquito net and exam supplies, including stationery, power banks, insect repellent, food and water.

Netizens and corporations sent her messages of support and study equipment, and she later also won a scholarship. Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Commission pledged to improve internet connectivity in her village.

The episode comes as Sabah is due to vote for a new state government on September 26, and comments by two deputy ministers accusing Veveonah of lying may impact the balance of federal power, analysts say, particularly as Sabah boasts a young electorate.

The resource-rich Sabah is considered a “kingmaker” in federal elections, with politicians from both sides of the divide vying to make inroads in a state that has been beset by poor development despite its massive natural wealth.

As part of anti-coronavirus measures, schools in Malaysia have increasingly turned to e-learning. According to state education officials however, poor internet access and hardware in rural Sabah have hamstrung online education, with 52 per cent of students lacking access to the internet, computers, smartphones or tablets, local media reported.