KUCHING: Two school construction projects, namely the replacement and extension of buildings at SK Jalan Haji Baki here and SMK Sg Paoh in Sarikei, have been completed on time and within budget.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi commended those involved in the successful completion of both projects, highlighting the outstanding design and layout of the buildings, which incorporated modern technologies such as the Industrialised Building System (IBS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM).
“I hope that these designs can be modified to meet current needs. This adaptability is one of the standout features.
“As I’ve mentioned before, we actively encourage the use of IBS and BIM in Malaysia’s construction industry, particularly for government projects but also in the private sector,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after the Handover Ceremony of Two Simultaneously Completed Projects for dilapidated schools at SK Jalan Haji Baki here, Friday (Oct 11).
Also present were Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi, Works Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim, Public Works Department (JKR) deputy director-general (development) Datuk Ibrahim Esa, Sarawak State Education Department director Datuk Dr Azhar Ahmad, Education Ministry secretary Datuk Masyati Abang Ibrahim, director of Construction for Special Projects Team 2, JKR Malaysia, Datuk Jasmi Wahab; Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen and Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
Ruji shared that over 200 dilapidated schools in Sarawak have been successfully rebuilt or upgraded, including the two handed over on Friday.
He asserted that the ministry is seeking additional funding from the government to repair 280 more schools to be included in the Fifth Rolling Plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
“Four implementing agencies—namely the Ministry of Education, JKR Malaysia, JKR Sarawak, and JKR Sabah—will ensure the smooth execution of these projects,” he noted.
The SK Jalan Haji Baki project involved the construction of a new 12-classroom block and other facilities, replacing the old and dilapidated buildings. Construction began on April 14, 2022, with the Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) issued on July 6, 2024.
The Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of the Prime Minister’s Department approved the project under the Fourth Rolling Plan of RMK11, with a total cost of RM18.34 million.
The scope included an administration and academic block housing 12 classrooms, teachers’ offices, a medical and dental room, a computer room, a library, an art room, a science room, and a surau.
Additionally, the project saw the construction of an open-air covered court, a canteen block, an electric room, a pump house, a waste disposal building, a guardhouse, flag poles, covered walkways, bicycle parking spaces, and other related works.
For SMK Sg Paoh in Sarikei, construction began on Oct 6, 2022, and concluded on Oct 5, 2024, at a total cost of RM15.29 million.
The project entailed the construction of a new two-storey dormitory block for female students, replacing the old wooden dormitory.
The school also saw the construction of a three-storey academic block that includes classrooms, workshops for Design and Technology (RBT) and Electrical and Electronics, a mathematics room, a physical education and sports management room, teachers’ housing, and a guardhouse.
