SIBU: Sarawak needs at least RM3.235 billion to repair its dilapidated schools, said Assistant Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He said from the 1,020 dilapidated schools in the state, only 373 had been repaired, leaving 647 yet to be repaired.
“Initially, we had 1,020 dilapidated schools under various categories in Sarawak where 75 percent or more of the building blocks could no longer be used or declared safe by the Public Works Department (JKR) as they are being exposed to floods and soil erosion.
“Out of 1,020 dilapidated schools, 373 have been upgraded with the state government’s allocation amounting to RM392.86 million and RM1.517 billion from the federal government (since 2018) of which RM1 billion is from its loan repayment.”
He added that the remaining 647 schools needed immediate attention and that more annual allocation had to be given in the 2021 Budget from the Education Ministry.
“To solve the problem of poor schools in Sarawak for the long term, we need at least another RM3.235 billion. If that cannot be allocated at once, it may be divided into several parts for several years,” he said today.
Dr Annuar said this when asked about his hopes ahead of the tabling of the 2021 Budget at the Dewan Rakyat tomorrow.
On the RM1.517 billion allocated by the federal government since 2018 where RM1 billion is the repayment from the loan contra, he said this included the IBS Project for 2018 of RM416.76 million, the allocation for 2019 (RM100 million) and this year (RM1 billion).
He also said an allocation of RM1 billion had been approved for Sabah and Sarawak for 2018, in which each would get RM500 million.
“But what we are asking for is that it should exceed the normal allocation provided in each of our annual estimates. It must be an additional estimate, meaning at least RM3.235 billion for Sarawak.
“Otherwise, I find it difficult for us to solve the problem of poor schools in Sarawak.”
