KUCHING: Sarawak’s schools need continuous allocation for maintenance apart from substantial funds for refurbishment, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapee.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development pointed out that the poor condition of numerous schools in Sarawak is a result of inadequate maintenance, leading to the need for ongoing support to effectively tackle these challenges.
“While the allocation of RM930 million is significant, it must cater to multiple regions, including Sabah and Sarawak.
“In response to the recent Ministry of Education (MoE) announcement allocating RM930 million for the refurbishment of dilapidated schools in Malaysia, encompassing 185 schools in Sarawak, the state government has strongly emphasised the need for the federal government to treat this initiative with utmost seriousness to alleviate the pressing educational challenges,” Annuar explained.
He said this at a press conference during the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between Hikmah Islamic Technology College (HiTec), Institut Kemahiran Islam Darul Ridzuan (Ikdar) and Sarawak Skills Group of Learning Institution (Sarawak Skills) at Dewab HiTec, Wisma Hamizan here, today (Oct 17).
Dr Annuar speaks during the press conference.
Dr Annuar noted that the policy introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim specifies that projects with a budget below RM50 million must be handled by state governments.
This strategy, he said, is designed to accelerate the implementation of projects, with a specific focus on addressing the challenges faced by poorly maintained schools.
“With many of these schools potentially requiring around RM20 to RM30 million each for renovation, redirecting funds to the state government is anticipated to expedite the process.
“Furthermore, there’s a critical need for new school construction in Sarawak. Despite the introduction of a new school, SMK Vaie in Bintulu, the state grapples with overcrowded schools, including double-session ones, primarily due to insufficient classrooms.
“This issue demands immediate attention, necessitating the construction of new schools. If we continue at the current rate of one school per year within our budget constraints, it’s estimated that around 20 schools will require funding for new construction over two decades, he said.
To expedite this process, the federal government must increase the allocation for building new schools in Sarawak.
On a related issue, Dr Annuar highlighted the shortage of teachers in Sarawak.
The number of teachers is subjected to dynamic changes due to factors such as retirements, early retirements, transfers and unfilled positions.
This issue requires immediate attention to ensure that the education of students is not compromised.
“Proposed solutions include recruiting graduates who have not yet received their results, providing them with training and diplomas, all without compromising teaching quality.
“The state government has embraced this approach, as a means of bridging the teacher shortage,” he explained.
