KOTA SAMARAHAN: A shortage of classrooms faced by a primary school here will be given due attention.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said the Sarawak government is always striving to help improve infrastructure facilities at schools in need.
“Although policies and other matters regarding schools are still under the jurisdiction of the federal government, we in Sarawak also provide assistance, especially involving schools categorised as weak in this state,” he said.
He was speaking at the Graduation and Student Excellence Appreciation Ceremony for the 2023/2024 session at SK St Michael’s Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA) Branch on Wednesday (Feb 7).
Earlier, SK St Michael’s headmaster, Brown Sang Lagan, informed that they only have nine classrooms and that this issue has become a student management problem.
“At this point, we should already have 12 classrooms – each grade should have two classrooms. But now, level one involving students in year one, two, and three cannot be divided into two classes due to insufficient classrooms.
“If we can provide two classrooms for levels one and two, I am sure the learning environment will become more conducive,” he said.
Sagah stated that he understands the issues at the school, but that his side can only provide assistance in terms of funding in education, including enhancing excellence in English and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He said, considering the school is a mission school, it will be referred to the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) for assistance to be provided.
He said it will also be discussed with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the minister responsible for Unifor.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Datuk Idris Buang stated that he is also ready to help the school in obtaining financial assistance.
“I will also try to help convey this matter to Uggah to find funds because I cannot use the Minor Rural Projects (MRP) or Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) funds to acquire land.
“When it comes to land, it involves strict procedures and processes. But I can help in other areas,” he explained, requesting the headmaster to arrange a meeting with Uggah.
Idris who is the assemblyman for Muara Tuang, announced an allocation of RM5,000 to the Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) of SK St Michael.
