LONG-awaited Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Long Semadoh is now included in plans for new secondary schools, known as Sekolah Model Khas Komprehensif 11 or K11 schools, to cater for primary and secondary years.
Baru Bian (Ba Kelalan-PSB) said a survey form has been circulated asking for the views of residents on whether to build on the land where the current primary school is situated or on a separate plot of land measuring almost 20 hectares.
“I have spoken to many of my constituents and their decision is unanimous – they have waited 20 years for this and they want the new school to be built on the land acquired as the present site is too small, only around three hectares.
“This need for the school must have been apparent when the plan for the new school was announced and land acquired in 2003, and I hope that priority will be given to it, considering that the initial announcement was made 20 years ago,” he said when debating the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, Wednesday (Nov 22).
Baru also expressed hope that the federal government will quickly proceed with the construction of the school so that the children do not have to be sent to boarding schools far away from their parents at such an early stage in their life.
On internet connectivity, electricity and water, he called on the relevant authorities to look into the matter and to expedite solutions to these problems.
“The internet and telecommunications network in the rural part of my constituency has been unstable and intermittent. This causes great inconvenience for the villagers, and they are extremely concerned in case there are emergencies or urgent situations.
“The people in Lawas town are also still experiencing problems with the supply of electricity and water and these are the issues that I have repeatedly brought up in this Dewan,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also called on the relevant authorities to put a stop to online gambling in Lawas town.
He claimed this was going onin certain convenience stores and sundry shops.
