RM50 mln for school maintenance, not part of RM100 mln redevelopment fund, says Sagah

KUCHING (Nov 18) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn has requested the federal Ministry of Finance (MoF) to clarify that the RM50 million channelled through the Ministry of Education (MoE) to the state Public Works Department (JKR) is not part of the RM100 million advanced payment approved in June this year.

The Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development stated that Sarawak received RM50 million in July this year, channelled directly from the MoE to the state JKR for operational, maintenance and upgrading works across 217 schools in Sarawak.

“The RM50 million is merely for maintenance and minor upgrading works instead of redevelopment to address dilapidated schools.

“As such, there is a need for MoF to clarify that the RM50 million channelled through MoE to JKR Sarawak is not part of the RM100 million allocation,” he said in his winding up speech during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.

Sagah said the RM100 million for the advanced payment project to address dilapidated schools in Sarawak was announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with approval from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He mentioned that the RM100 million project targets 16 schools, jointly identified by his ministry, the state JKR and the state Education Department.

He added that the list of projects is prioritised based on school categorised as unsafe (Scale 6 and Scale 7) and implementable within 18 months.

According to Sagah, the RM100 million was from the RM1 billion advanced payment programme pledged by the Sarawak government for the comprehensive redevelopment of dilapidated schools across Sarawak.

To date, he said Sarawak, under the advanced payment programme, has successfully completed 58 projects, ensuring that approximately 10,000 students have access to quality learning facilities.

“In addition, Sarawak has redeveloped three schools through our own Projek Rakyat initiative, and another 28 schools under the Northern Region Development Agency project.

“Collectively, these efforts have directly benefited almost 9,000 students,” he added.

Sagah pledged to place the highest priority on ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students in the state.

“Although education is a federal matter, as a responsible government, Sarawak has always been taking proactive measures, investing significant resources to address gaps and provide the support necessary to uplift our schools.

“My ministry remains fully committed to improving school infrastructure for the safety and well-being of students and staff.

“We will not cease our efforts until all issues related to dilapidated schools are effectively addressed, ensuring that our schools provide a conducive environment for learning,” he said.