PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has allocated RM100 million this year towards the repair of 32 schools in Sarawak.
The ministry in a statement late yesterday said: “Chanelling of the funds is for the purpose of rebuilding dilapidated schools where works are in progress.”
The ministry also allocated RM25.7 million for upgrading 135 schools some of which are in the category of the dilapidated ones.
The ministry said the allocations show that Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik is committed in addressing the issue of dilapidated schools in Sarawak
The issue of dilapidated schools has been brought up by the state leaders because federal funds had not been forthcoming while the schools continue to deteriorate.
At one time the state was even accused of sensationalising the issue, to which Education, Science, and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin replied: “There really is nothing to sensationalise about. Even Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik himself has acknowledged the severity of the problem.”
Maszlee had visited at least two of the dilapidated schools during his visit to Bintulu and likened the condition of the schools to that where he studied in his home village in Johore many decades ago. – Bernama