FIFTY-EIGHT projects involving the redevelopment of dilapidated schools through the RM1 billion advanced payment programme have been completed to date.
Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this had ensured that approximately 10,000 students have access to quality learning facilities.
“In addition, Sarawak has redeveloped three schools through its own ‘Projek Rakyat’ initiative, and another 28 schools under the Northern Region Development Agency project.
“Collectively, these efforts have directly benefited almost 9,000 students,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
Sagah said that on June 22, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had announced the RM100 million advance payment to tackle the issue of dilapidated schools, with approval from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“This project targets 16 schools, jointly identified by my ministry, Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, and Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS).
“The list of projects is prioritised based on school categorised as unsafe (Scale 6 and Scale 7), and implementable within 18 months,” he said.
In addition, Sarawak received RM50 million in July and channelled directly from the Ministry of Education (MoE) to PWD Sarawak for operational, maintenance, and upgrading works across 217 schools, with completion expected within this calendar year.
“However, there is a need for the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to clarify that the RM50 million channelled through MoE to PWD Sarawak is not part of the RM100 million allocation.
“The scope of work given for the RM50 million is merely for maintenance and minor upgrading works instead of redevelopment to address dilapidated schools,” he said.
Sagah stressed that although education is a federal matter, Sarawak has always been taking proactive measures, investing significant resources to address gaps and provide the support necessary to uplift our schools.
“My ministry remains fully committed to improving school infrastructure for the safety and well-being of students and staff.
“We will not cease our efforts until all issues related to dilapidated schools are effectively addressed, ensuring that our schools provide a conducive environment for learning,” he said.
