BINTULU: The Sarawak government will always help to repair and rebuild run-down schools in the state, assured Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We will not be reluctant to fund and help critically dilapidated schools which are in dire need of repair,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that after the federal government withdrew funds for dilapidated schools in Sarawak due to financial constraints, the state government had taken over the repair and rebuilding of these schools.
“We have contributed a large amount to solve the run-down school issues because we want our future generations to have a conducive learning environment,” he said.
He stressed that it was crucial to produce quality human capital for development in line with Sarawak’s aspiration and mission to be a developed state.
The chief minister stated this during his working visit to one of 37 dilapidated schools in Sarawak, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Tisang here yesterday.
SK Sungai Tisang, is one of the 37 schools listed under the first phase of run-down schools to be repaired or rebuilt within this year.
The first phase of the repair and rebuilding work for 30 dilapidated schools in Sarawak will be tendered out next month.
The second phase of work will be tendered out in January next year.
“For SK Sungai Tisang, I have approved additional land next to the school’s current location. A new block with one new hall will be built there to complement the three current blocks,” said Abang Johari.
A total of RM350 million has been allocated to help repair and rebuild dilapidated schools in Sarawak, he explained.
SMK Maludam in Betong and SK Ulu Segan in Bintulu would also be rebuilt at a total cost of RM35.765 million.
“RM9 million has also been allocated for treated water supply to 41 schools in the rural areas of Sarawak,” said the chief minister.
Abang Johari added that RM160.5 million had been allocated to repair 62 schools in the Northern Region under Recorda, RM21 million for facilities and infrastructure in 66 schools through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) while RM37million would be distributed via the Special Development Allocation Fund (SDAF).
Also present were Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and state education director Adzhar Ahmad.
