KUALA LUMPUR – The building of new schools is often hampered by land ownership issues, said Education Minister Mohd Radzi Md Jidin today.
During his ministry’s budget debate at the committee stage, he said usually, the allocation for new schools is available, but fails to resolve land ownership matters.
“Sometimes, we want to make a new school, the allocation is already there, but the land does not belong to the government. How, then, can we build a structure there?
“Therefore, I have asked the ministry to list the schools involved, and we will deal with this problem efficiently next year.”
He said the ministry will work directly with all state governments to discuss the issue of dilapidated schools.
The government has allocated RM725 million under Budget 2021, tabled last month, for 50 such schools.
Meanwhile, Radzi assured the Dewan Rakyat that the ministry will not close any teacher education institutes (IPG).
These will continue to be strengthened, so that they are seen as “premium” institutions, he said.
“No IPG will be closed. We will ensure that IPG continue to help to produce excellent teachers.”
Last year, it was reported that there was a proposal to close 21 of the 27 IPG nationwide starting 2020.
However, the ministry had refuted reports on the matter as untrue and inaccurate.
After addressing most questions today, the ministry’s RM46.27 billion budget was passed via a voice vote. – The Vibes, December 15, 2020
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