Maszlee (centre) addressing a press conference.
KUCHING: The Federal Education Ministry has pledged to allocate RM100 million for dilapidated and critical schools in Sarawak for this year.
Federal Minister of Education Dr Maszlee Malik also disclosed that RM2.7 billion has been allocated under the 11th Malaysia Plan to implement projects for schools and related facilities until year 2020.
“This is in line with the ministry’s efforts in addressing issues related to dilapidated and critical schools in which we target to solve in two years’ time.
“It is also the federal government’s commitment to help people in Sarawak in the education sector,” he told a press conference after paying a courtesy call on the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at his office in State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today.
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee were among those present at the courtesy visit.
Maszlee, who arrived in Kuching for a two-day working visit on Thursday, had visited several schools in Samarahan and Simunjan areas.
“I can’t stop thinking about the schools which I’ve visited and see for myself the dilapidated and poor conditions of the schools as well as the teacher’s hostel facilities. It is ingrained in my mind,” he shared feeling heartbroken to see the conditions of the rural schools here.
Nevertheless, he was also impressed with the attitudes of the teachers whom he described as dedicated and sincere in teaching the children despite being in an unfavourable environment but it did not affect them in carrying out their duty professionally.
“Secondly, I’m impressed with the students who are so diligent in learning despite being in rural areas. I had the opportunity to see their talents in English language, science and leadership,” he said.
“I am confident that these talents, if given more opportunities, they are the future of our country. So I reckoned that full boarding schools should be opened up to rural students especially from Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.