PETALING JAYA: The education ministry revealed that 555 schools in Sarawak are classified as dilapidated, with efforts under way to address the issue.
Its minister Fadhlina Sidek said that as at June 2024, 361 of the schools require significant repairs, while 194 need complete rebuilding.
As of March, it was reported that Sarawak has a total of 1,459 primary and secondary schools across the state.
Fadhlina was responding to Johnie Zawawi (GPS-Igan), who asked about the current status of dilapidated schools in Sarawak, including those in his constituency.
Fadhlina said in the Igan constituency, 20 schools were identified as having dilapidated buildings.
“To address these issues, the education ministry has approved nine projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan and the ‘1Billion’ initiative to replace dilapidated buildings in Igan,” she said.
Additionally, the education ministry, through the Sarawak education department, is evaluating the feasibility of constructing new buildings at the remaining dilapidated schools.
“This evaluation will consider the actual needs and site conditions of the schools. The projects will be proposed in phases to the federal agencies for consideration,” she said.
Fadhlina also said the approval and implementation of these projects would be subject to the government’s current priorities and financial situation.
On June 23, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state government allocated RM200 million to redevelop dilapidated schools and clinics in the state.
He said the allocation is part of an initiative where Sarawak would provide initial funding for federal projects in the state, to speed up their implementation. - FMT
