Putrajaya allocates RM100 million to repair Sarawak schools, clinics

THE Finance Ministry has allocated RM100 million to the Sarawak government to carry out urgent repairs of government schools and clinics in the state.

Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said his ministry is already drawing up a list of badly dilapidated schools for immediate repair.

“We will use the funds based on priority needs. However, the funds will be for government schools first.

“For missionary schools and private schools, we will use state funds from the unit for other religions,” he said when attending a community event in Bau district in southern Sarawak.

It was reported in November that there were still 461 schools in Sarawak categorised as severely dilapidated that were still awaiting repair or reconstruction.

Another 198 schools have already been repaired while work is currently being carried out at 309 other schools.

“The 309 undergoing works now are in various stages of reconstruction.

“The 461 awaiting reconstruction are in the most serious category of deterioration and plans for their repair are being drawn up.

“We (state and federal education departments) have also identified numerous schools that must be relocated.

“These schools are located in sites that are deemed dangerous as they are near river banks that are being eroded,” he said in his winding up speech at the state assembly.

Sagah said at least 11 such schools on high-risk river banks have been identified.

They are mostly located in remote districts but there are also some near urban districts.

Among those on the verge of toppling into the river are SK You Segan, SK Maludam Betong and SK Kampung Penasu Daro. – June 24, 2024.