KOTA KINABALU – More than 100 schools in Sarawak are dependent on power generators, and yet, the issue is overlooked in Budget 2021, said state PKR chief Larry Sng.
The Julau MP said he had expected an allocation to connect rural schools to the state’s main electric grid.
“The federal government did present the largest Budget to date. However, from the point of view of safety and cost savings, it was a missed opportunity for the government to improve rural schools.”
Sng said in his constituency alone, there are 22 primary schools located 10m from a power grid, but are still relying on generators.
“In 2019, the Sarawak government allocated RM50 million to connect schools to the power grid. However, the budget was only sufficient to connect four schools.
“In October last year, the dormitories at SK Nanga Serau were burnt down due to unstable power supply from the generator used. Fortunately, no one was harmed.
“It is imperative for the government to prioritise this issue, to ensure the safety of students and teachers.”
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz yesterday tabled a RM322.5 billion Budget, presenting it as one that focuses on people’s well-being, and boosting business and economic resilience.
He said RM725 million will be allocated to upgrade 50 dilapidated schools, with RM120 million of the amount to go towards the construction of 184 wells to provide water supply to rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak.
The Budget makes no mention of power supply for such schools. – The Vibes, November 7, 2020
