MORE than 250 Form 6 students from SMK Tamparuli in Sabah will have to wait longer before they can resume lessons in their classrooms, as repairs to their damaged school are still in the planning stage.
The SMK Tamparuli secondary school was severely damaged by a storm on September 18, losing part of its roof, further compounded with structural problems.
Repairs are now being planned but the students will be relocated to makeshift cabins and a temporary facility at the Tuaran Teachers Activity Centre (PKG).
However, it remains unclear how long the full restoration will take.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Who is aware of the challenging situation, and said that while emergency measures are being taken, long-term solutions are still in progress.
“The Sabah Education Department has already submitted a request to rent 16 cabins for the displaced students.
“The application is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance,” Wong said when responding to questions posed by Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau during a special chamber session at the Dewan Rakyat.
The school was declared unsafe following a July inspection by the Public Works Department (JKR) after severe damage to classroom blocks, dormitories, and workshop facilities was found.
Wong assured that RM190,000 has been allocated for immediate roof repairs, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
However, he noted, “These repairs will not be finished overnight. For now, the work is ongoing.”
Wong added that the Education Ministry has also approved the construction of a new Special Integrated Education Program (PPKI) block as part of Rolling Plan 4 under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
This project will include new classrooms and workshop facilities, but JKR Sabah is still developing the detailed designs.
The Ministry is also considering replacing the damaged school buildings fully under the 13th Malaysia Plan for 2026, though this depends on the government’s financial position.
For now, students will continue their education in temporary facilities, with no definite timeline for returning to their fully restored school. – October 25, 2024
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