KUCHING: The state government is determined to ensure that schools throughout Sarawak are equipped with facilities conducive for the teaching and learning process.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg assured that the Sarawak government would assist in the upgrading works of schools even though education is under the purview of the federal government.
“There are schools in the rural areas which are very dilapidated. Whether we like it or not, the state government has to intervene and help these schools because we sympathise the teachers and students.
“It is not a problem for the state government to intervene because I have spoken to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about this. The federal government is helping us to implement projects including schools and clinics with a value of RM50 million and below.
“The Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) director-general Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz recently paid a courtesy visit to me, and we spoke about working together to make sure that the projects in the state are implemented smoothly,” he said.
He was officiating at the handover of the administrative building project and upgrading of SK Merpati Jepang school building on Wednesday (March 22).
Besides SK Merpati Jepang, the state government has approved funds for improvement and upgrading of SK Ulu Segan in Bintulu, SK Maludam in Betong, SK Pulo in Kuching and SK Penasu in Daro.
Abang Johari advised students to not be afraid of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) because mastering these subjects would be beneficial for their future.
He said Sarawak needed future human capitals who have the expertise and knowledge in STEM to help the state to progress.
“Our children need to understand that these subjects are important for their future. As such, parents must also play their roles in encouraging and cultivating their children’s interests in these subjects.
“The state government is establishing international schools with international syllabus so that the future generation can be accepted in world renowned universities like Oxford and Cornell,” he added.
Also present during the event were Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, State Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA Sarawak) director Datuk Khirudin Drahman, Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak director Richard Tajan and other dignitaries.
