KUCHING: Teachers and parents have given their vote of approval to the Ministry of Education’s (MoE’s) pledge to give top priority to dilapidated schools throughout the state.
It was reported that some 1,000 schools in Sarawak require remedial attention.
Since the maintenance of a school’s physical condition falls under the purview of the government the MoE has pledged to enhance all areas of Sarawak’s education in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
During a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Friday (Jan 27), Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the MoE is focusing on education issues in Sarawak, particularly those involving MA63 and the idea of education for all.
As such, she said dilapidated schools in Sarawak were among the ministry’s top priorities.
New Sarawak Tribune approached parents of students and teachers to talk about the matter.
Ahmad Faizal Osman, 54,
Teacher (Senior Assistant)
I strongly agree with the efforts of the education minister who is prioritising the improvement of poor school facilities in Sarawak. This is the right move.
The MoE’s emphasis on giving poor and dilapidated schools first priority for restoration is highly appropriate.
It is urgently necessary to upgrade the school facilities in rural areas. An environment that is more favourable and relevant for learning will be developed by good school settings.
Ivy Michael Toda Sanub, 57,
Teacher
Education is for all, no one should be left behind. The effort is necessary because the issue of dilapidated schools in Sarawak has been discussed for a long time and needs to be given priority. Children in rural areas will be able to learn better and in a good environment.
Bolhassan seri, 47,
Teacher
The MoE’s emphasis on giving the renovation of inadequate and dilapidated schools top priority is wholly welcome.
Since school facilities like classrooms, dormitories, teacher’s quarters, and access roads need to be improved most, they should be given priority in rural areas.
A decent school environment will undoubtedly create a more supportive and fulfilling learning environment and can help rural children reach their full potential, on par with urban students.
SALBIAH LONCHENG, 49,
POLICE OFFICER
I support the idea of giving Sarawak’s dilapidated schools priority. Compared to the peninsula’s existing schools, we are already far behind. In order for students in Sarawak to have access to the amenities that are already available in the peninsula, MoE must prioritise this endeavour.
The MoE needs to work to assist schoolchildren in getting comfortable infrastructure in order to develop and expose potential students in line with the modernisation wave that is actively growing.
MICKY LAAH, 51,
RETIREE
The idea to give dilapidated schools in the state priority has my support. Sarawak still has a large number of dilapidated schools, which the ministry needs to address. It is a move that needs to be done as soon as feasible if we want to have the status of a developed state by 2030.
