SIBU: Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi has commended Sarawak’s new policy to expedite repairs for rundown schools and clinics using state funds, with later reimbursement from the federal government.
Ahmad Johnie welcomed the initiative by the Sarawak Premier, believing it to be an effective approach to promptly address the issue of dilapidated schools and clinics in the state.
“This is an urgent necessity for the people, especially students. I believe this is the best idea by the state government to prioritise the construction of schools and clinics,” he said.
“Through this method alone, the issues of dilapidated schools and clinics can be addressed as soon as possible without waiting for allocations from the federal government, which currently faces financial constraints due to many other prioritised projects,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the Igan District Aidilfitri Open House at a hotel here last night (May 4).
He revealed that his constituency currently has about 18 dilapidated schools, including one secondary school, with some of these schools earmarked for reconstruction or renovation.
“I am also certain that there are dilapidated clinics in the Batang Lassa and Passin areas, and I have raised this issue in Parliament for the Ministry of Health to take appropriate action,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Johnie said they have injected significant funds to improve the education aspect in his constituency through infrastructure development, school co-curricular activities, and so on.
He stressed that education requires special attention in community or student developments as Sarawak aims to become a developed state by 2030.
“Therefore, when I am no longer the representative of this area, this is the legacy I want to leave behind – together developing education in the Igan Parliamentary constituency. The future success of our children, part of our community is the legacy we leave together,” he said.
At the programme, he also allocated RM28,000 fund for Persatuan Anak Jati Kampung Igan.
On April 11, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the Sarawak Government is looking into feasible mechanisms that would spur forward dilapidated projects in schools and clinics.
He said proper mechanisms and streamlining processes would expedite proper facilities for medical officers, nurses, teachers and school administrative staff.
Abang Johari said he had reached an agreement with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and senior federal officials have endorsed this agreement.
