KUCHING: There are more than 200 dilapidated schools in Sarawak that needed to be rebuilt as soon as possible, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier said as the state Education Department has been given the authority to approve projects which are directly funded by the Sarawak government, he would soon allocate fund for the projects.
“I will announce the allocation tonight because the Prime Minister will be there with us. Moreover, the allocation will be based on the agreement between the state and federal governments to implement projects for dilapidated schools.
“On top of this, the state government is now working closely with the Sarawak Education Department to address the issue of dilapidated schools.”
He said this when met by the media after officiating at the 2024 Sarawak Education Award ceremony at CIDB, Petra Jaya today (June 22).
Clarifying on the usage of rural transformation project (RTP) funds, Abang Johari said that the fund could only be used for repair and not to rebuild schools.
“The RM5 million RTP fund allocated yearly is for the elected representatives to help upgrade or repair facilities in the schools such as replacing leaking roof or so on.
“Therefore, if schools need money to repair or upgrade anything in the school, do not hesitate to approach your elected representatives for the fund,” he advised.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on Parti Keadilan Rakyat Kuching Division chairman Dominique Ng urging the Sarawak Education Department to give Sarawak stateless children access to education, Abang Johari said that the matter needed to be studied thoroughly as he does not have the necessary details on the matter yet.
