MIRI: The Sarawak government has provided RM1 million to SJK(C) Chiaw Nan’s relocation committee for the construction of a new classroom block.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian handed over the donation cheque on Wednesday (May 30), and stated that the state government was committed to addressing the issue of dilapidated schools in the state.
He said the ‘Sarawak Chinese Schools Education Fund,’ established by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is now focusing on prioritising the reconstruction and relocation of Chinese schools.
“Many Chinese schools in Sarawak face problems with dilapidated buildings and require reconstruction.
“Some Chinese schools may need to relocate to urban areas for reconstruction due to issues with student resources, and this is a priority issue that must be addressed,” he told reporters after a working visit to SJK Chiaw Nan here on Wednesday (May 29).
Dr Sim added that once the issues of reconstruction and relocation of dilapidated schools were resolved, the education department will revisit how to allocate the annual funding to schools in need.
Furthermore, he said the education fund received an annual allocation of RM12 million for Chinese Aided Schools, and RM10 million for Chinese Private Schools, which was coordinated by the Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management specifically for the construction of Chinese schools.
For the record, the original location of SJK(C) Chiaw Nan Miri was formerly in Marudi. It was relocated to Miri city due to shortage of students.
A total of 120 students have registered, and the school is scheduled to open in July 2024.
Also present during the handover were Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang.
