MUKAH: Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) has built eight pre-schools in Matu at a cost of RM1.18 million.  

In disclosing this, Project Execution Manager of Petronas Sarawak, Nor Azam Abang Zawawie, said that Jemoreng assemblyman, Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, had asked Petronas’ help to develop the eight Tabika Kemas  for a safe and conducive learning environment.   

“We (Petronas) have worked hard to collect the necessary funds  and thankfully, we have successfully collected funds amounting to RM1.18 million to build the eight pre-schools.

“Several discussions were held in 2018 and the eight Tabika Kemas were completed within six months,” he told reporters at Tabika Kemas in Matu yesterday.

The eight newly constructed pre-schools started operating in 2020 before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pre-schools, which were part of Petronas’ Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, are at Kampung Igan, Rumah Panjang Gangga Bruan Besar Matu, Kampung Loba Balu Matu, Kampung Sekaan Matu, Kampung Jemoreng Matu, Kampung Pergau, Rumah Muring and Kampung Sejahtera.

Nor Azam added  the local contractors assigned to build the eight pre-schools were from Matu.

Meanwhile, Assistant Administration Officer (Development) Matu District Office, Noorkasmawati Kassim pointed out that six out of the eight Tabika Kemas were made up of wood and consisted of only one classroom.

“Tabika Kemas Kampung Loba Balu; Tabika Kemas Kampung Sekaan Besar; Tabika Kemas Kampung Sejahtera; Tabika Kemas Rumah Panjang Gangga, Bruan and Tabika Kemas Rumah Muring which is situated at Rumah Panjang Jarit  are located in the interior ares and only accessible by boat,” she said.

She added Tabika Kemas at Kampung Jemoreng was also made of wood while Tabika Kemas at Kampung Igan and Tabika Kemas at Kampung Pergau were made of concrete.