DARO: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is focusing on improving access to education in Sarawak to create a more conducive teaching and learning environment, says its Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
She said the initiative aims to address not only the issue of dilapidated schools but also to ensure that no student, particularly those in rural and remote areas, is left behind.
Key areas of focus include addressing teacher shortages, enhancing facilities and upgrading dormitories, which are essential for improving the comfort of both students and educators.
“We understand that student attendance is at 97 to 98 percent, with absences occurring only due to illness. This indicates that facilities need better maintenance to continue benefiting these children,” she said.
She said this when met by reporters after visiting Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Nanga Semah as part of the Parliamentary Follow-Up Programme (TSP) here yesterday (Sept 6).
The visit was aimed to inspect conditions at several rural schools, including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Jalan Oya in Sibu, SK Kampung Kut in Daro, Pusat Kegiatan Guru (PKG) Daro, SK Kampung Pangtray, SMK Matu, SK Kampung Pergau, and SK Kampong Tellian in Mukah.
She added that the programme reflects MOE’s commitment to ensuring equitable and quality education access for all schools in Sarawak, including those in rural and riverside areas.
Fadhlina added that the Madani Government has set a goal to address the problem of dilapidated schools and to specifically focus on maintenance issues.
“While we are committed to tackling the issue of dilapidated schools, maintenance is also crucial to ensure that a conducive learning environment is maintained for the students,” she said.
During the programme, Fadhlina announced funding allocations of RM100,000 each for SMK Jalan Oya and SK Nanga Semah, and RM50,000 for SK Kampung Kut to support maintenance efforts.
Also present were Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Daro Assemblyman Safiee Ahmad, and the Director-General of Education Malaysia, Azman Adenan.
