THE Sarawak government is set to provide funding amounting to RM83.3 million for the construction and completion of SK Agama Kuching No. 2; SK Ulu Segan, Bintulu; SK Maludam Betong; SK Merpati Jepang, SK Pulo, Kuching and SK Penasu, Daro, Mukah.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government was committed to addressing the issue of dilapidated schools, with more than 140 schools to be upgraded or rebuilt with the RM1 billion allocation.
“We will also allocate RM10 million under this Budget (2021) to provide electricity to 110 schools in the rural areas,” he said when tabling the Sarawak Budget 2021 on Monday (Nov 9).
Under the teaching of Mathematics and Science subjects in English initiative, he said another RM15 mln would be provided.
“For further studies at renowned universities, the state, through Yayasan Sarawak, provides assistance to qualified students to study in the four top universities namely Cambridge University, London School of Economics, Oxford University and Stanford University.”
He added that the state government was aware that early education was vital for mental and physical development of children.
“In this regard, we will continue with the implementation of Early Childhood and Care Institutions Programme with an allocation of RM16 mln. On top of this, a sum of RM18 mln will be provided for the operations of 86 kindergartens and childcare centres under Sedidik Sdn Bhd.”
The state government would provide RM10 mln in the form of vouchers to assist in funding tuition fees of up to a maximum of RM150 per month or RM1,800 per year per secondary student.
The initiative is expected to benefit about 5,600 secondary students and will be coordinated by Yayasan Sarawak.
On the state’s venture in the establishment of Sarawak’s first international school, Abang Johari also announced a sum of RM20mil to kick-start the project.
