It is imperative that Sarawak regains its education autonomy and allocation as soon as possible to address school issues and establish its own education syllabus.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said the federal Ministry of Education (MoE) is slow in releasing funds for dilapidated schools, with only 11 schools set to be repaired by 2024, despite 462 schools needing urgent attention.
“At this rate, the federal government will take 42 years to repair all our dilapidated schools in Sarawak,” he pointed out during the debate on the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday (Nov 22).
“Sarawak has invested RM2.7bil in education-related matters from 2020 to 2023, compared to the MoE’s expenditure of RM2.5bil from 2016 to 2023,” he added.
He also urged the government to plan and propose solutions to alleviate flooding in his constituency, including Greenwood Park, Taman Emas, Taman Paradise at Batu 9, Quop, and Kampung Quop at Batu 10, which experience flash floods during heavy rain.
“I hope that Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman, Chong Chieng Jen, will also raise this flooding issue in Parliament and request the federal minister in charge to conduct a comprehensive study and provide necessary funding for a solution.”
Additionally, Lo requested an access road linking Jalan Stephen Yong/Jalan Batu Kitang junction to Jalan Landeh/RPR Landeh to reduce travel distance along Jalan Landeh and alleviate traffic congestion.
“With numerous developments and housing estates along Jalan Landeh, this proposed access road is badly needed.”
