2020 State Budget
The Sarawak government will continue to fund the rebuilding and repairing of dilapidated schools in the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said RM20 million had been allocated for the construction of SMK Maludam in Betong, RM15 million for the construction of SMK Ulu Segan in Bintulu and RM5.5 million for the repair and improvement of rural schools throughout the State.
In addition, he said among the other projects to be implemented next year would be the connection of the main electricity grid to 128 schools and treated water supply to 41 schools and upgrading of 62 schools by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda).
Abang Johari said this when delivering the 2020 State Budget speech at the August house.
He said under the 2019 federal budget, the federal government allocated RM100 million to rebuild 32 dilapidated schools in Sarawak.
“But it is sad to mention here that this amount is not enough,” he pointed out.
He said due to the urgent and pressing needs to rebuild and upgrade the dilapidated schools, the State government decided to make advance repayment of its public loan of RM1 billion with the federal government.
“It is made clear to the federal government that this advance repayment must be solely used for rebuilding and upgrading of dilapidated schools in Sarawak,” he stressed.
Abang Johari revealed that out of the advance repayment of RM1 billion, the state had paid the first tranche of RM350 million this year while the balance of RM650 million would be paid next year.
