KUALA LUMPUR - To ensure her son is equipped for home-based learning, Madam Mazalina Ishak pawned some of her jewellery last month so she could buy a tablet for the primary school student.

But she now feels her sacrifice - her wedding ring is one of two pieces of jewellery now at the pawnshop - has been in vain, after the government's announcement last Friday (Feb 19) that students will be returning to school from next month.