BINTANGOR: The Sarawak government has settled the remaining RM300 mln loan repayment to the federal government to improve the state’s dilapidated schools.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the first payment of RM350 mln was made in August last year while the second was RM350 mln in early February this year.
He said the final payment (RM300 mln) would be settled next June.
“We will pay the rest of the RM300 mln in accordance with the agreement signed earlier,” he told reporters after attending the launch of the RM1bln (Phase 1) redevelopment of Sarawak dilapidated schools at SK Abang Amin yesterday.
He said the first phase of the project began in March for 75 per cent of the 470 schools across Sarawak.
In Sarikei Division, the government identified at least seven schools in need, including SK Abang Amin, SK Adin, SK Nanga Meluan, Pedanu, Ulu Binatang and Nanga Entaih Julau.
According to him, the phase one and two upgrading projects cost about RM60 mln.
“The Sarawak government seriously solves the problem of dilapidated schools to improve the quality of education while ensuring a more comfortable teaching and learning environment.
“Although education is under the federal government, Sarawak is committed to ensuring that education is well maintained in the state,” he said.
He said Sarawak had implemented various approaches, including establishing the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, to realise the aspiration.
He said other efforts taken included rebuilding SMK Maludam, Betong and SMK Ulu Segan, Bintulu, at a cost of RM35.765 mln and RM29.5 mln respectively.
“At the same time, the government has allocated RM50 mln to connect 131 schools to the main electricity grid and treated water supply to 41 rural schools, RM160.5 mln to upgrade 60 schools in the northern region through Recoda and RM21 mln to refurbish and upgrade 66 schools through the Rural Transformation Project and other assistance through the State Development Assistance Fund (SDAF),” he said.
He said efforts to capitalise on education needed a more proactive approach and should go beyond political boundaries.
“Sarawak is committed to repaying the RM1 bln loan with the federal government if it agrees to use RM 1 bln solely to upgrade schools in Sarawak.
“In total, the number of schools to be upgraded with an allocation of RM1 bln is at least 107 schools (whether full or partial replacement),” he said.
