SIBU: Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee has lauded the allocation of RM725 million to upgrade 50 dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak under Budget 2021.
“I welcome the allocation of RM725 million under Budget 2021 by the Perikatan Nasional (PN) federal government to upgrade 50 dilapidated schools in Sabah and Sarawak.
“Although the amount is not enough, it signals a commitment by the federal government to resolve the problem of dilapidated schools in the two states,” he said at the Sibu-level Maulidur Rasul programme held at Masjid An -Nur Sibu here.
On the RM800 million allocation for the upgrading of government schools, the Nangka assemblyman said it is for schools that are less dilapidated. He urged that upgrading of poor schools be implemented by project delivery partners (PDP).
“Like now, we are taking a different approach with the state government paying the loan contra to resolve the issue of dilapidated schools. Maybe for the implementation, we can involve the private sector in this regard,” he said.
Dr Annuar said, while the move might be expensive in the long run, it would be beneficial for students and teachers who would enjoy a conducive learning and teaching environment.
