KUCHING: Repair works on 33 dilapidated schools in Sarawak will commence soon this year as RM100 million from the Education Ministry has been disbursed to the state Public Works Department (JKR).
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong said these schools would be constructed under what is called Industrialised Building System (IBS).
IBS is a Malaysian term referring to a construction technique of manufacturing components in a controlled environment (at site or off site), for assembly into the finished products.
“On behalf of the state government, I thank Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik for the RM100 million. The ministry promised it last year and the allocation is now with JKR Sarawak,” he told reporters after accompanying Maszlee to pay a courtesy call on Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia, Petra Jaya yesterday.
Last year, Maszlee pledged that his ministry would allocate RM100 million for repairing dilapidated and critical schools in Sarawak in line with the ministry’s efforts to address the issue within two years.
At the same time, Maszlee also shared that the Education Ministry would continue the supply of diesel to 21 schools in Sarawak which have an urgent need for it.
“We have also agreed to encourage more international students to study in Sarawak. Therefore, some matters relating to the entry of these students through Sarawak immigration will be simplified,” he said.
Asked on the proposal to compel parents to send their children to school at least until Form Five, he said the matter needed detailed views and studies by all parties before it could be implemented.
According to him, the ministry also wanted to find a way for the children to easily pursue and gain quality education.
“Our focus is to ensure that all children in Malaysia get the opportunity to learn and gain quality education,” he said.
Earlier, Abang Johari also received courtesy calls by Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Felcra Berhad to update the state government on their latest developments.
