KUCHING: Sarawak Government has spent RM26 million to relocate and rebuild Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Segan in Bintulu as the previous school premises had been badly affected by flood.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government wanted to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment for the rural children despite education being under the purview of the federal government.
He recalled that during his visit to the previous school in February 2018, he was told that the school was frequently flooded, including the students’ hostels and teachers’ quarters. Sometimes, the flood also affected the teaching and learning process.
“Thus, I went back and discussed it with my colleagues… We had agreed to relocate the school to a higher ground and redevelop the school with better facilities ourselves (using state funds) since we couldn’t wait for the federal government to do it,” he told the reporters after visiting the new school buildings in Bintulu today.
“Today, I am glad to say that we have materialised our promise to the students and teachers of SK Ulu Segan; they can enjoy teaching and learning in a holistic environment,” he added.
Abang Johari also expressed his appreciation to the teachers who have been so passionate in educating the children despite the poor condition of the previous school.
The school, he said, has been relocated to a safer ground and near to several residential projects, where parents living in the surrounding areas can send their children to study there as well.
He said it has 12 classrooms, a spacious dining hall as well as other blocks for hostels, quarters and administration; and would become the model for the government to redevelop other schools in Sarawak.
“I will also inform the Education Minister and show him that this is the standard (of school) we want in Sarawak,” he said.
“I hope by providing a better environment, our children can study well and have a bright future,” he added.
Among those who present were his deputies, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Seri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip, and state secretary Datuk Seri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
