DARO: A decent learning teaching environment provided by Petronas awaits SK Orang Kaya Muda Pakeri (SK OKMP), Paloh once construction of the new hostel is completed in Aug this year.
The existing hostel can accommodate 56 students but due to dilapidation and infestation by termites, it was deemed unsafe.
The new hostel is a collaboration between Petronas and the state government for a better educational institution within the rural community.
“Asrama Harian Luar Bandar” was set up to encourage the youths’ interest in education.
This ensures that the SK OKMP students have access to education in a conducive learning environment.
During a visit to the school yesterday, Petronas Group Human Resource Management senior vice president Datuk Raiha Azni Abdul Rahman said, “Petronas is involved in this project because we are committed to human capital development, especially in Sarawak.
“We are working very closely with the Ministry of Education. We asked them which was the poorest school.
“This is our first infrastructure project among the rural community in Sarawak. Hopefully, the hostel will be completed in August this year,” she said.
On the obstacles faced, EPR Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Syahrir Iman said that logistics and accessibility proved to be major problems.
“The whole of Kampong Paloh only has two cars to transport from our landing point from the site to our stockpile.
“We actually use our lorries and each trip takes a couple of hours and that doesn’t include the condition of the road,” he said.
Kampong Paloh has a population of 1,000, with many working as farmers and fishermen. Presently, the school has 121 students and 16 teachers.
