From pondok to school of choice in Saratok

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Pupils from various racial and religious backgrounds welcome guests to the
launching of the 100th anniversary celebration.

SJK MIN SYN Saratok was known as ‘pondok daun nipah’ when it was set up in 1919 because its structure was made of nipah leaves.

Back then, the humble pondok could only take in 24 pupils with one teacher.

One century on, the oldest school in Betong Division now has 331 pupils from various racial and religious backgrounds – 45 per cent of whom are Bumiputeras.

Situated in the town centre, the school is one of the most recognisable landmarks in semi-rural Saratok with its four-storey building and a school hall which has hosted many important dinners and social events.

(From third left) Tan, Manyin, and Wahab lead the guests in releasing ribbons to launch the
centenary celebrations.

100th anniversary

A centenary celebration is a very special occasion and the school celebrated its 100th anniversary on March 23 with many former students returning to support their alma mater.

School management committee chairman Pemanca Tan Yok Ngee said preparations for the celebrations had started in April last year.

The programme included the opening ceremony by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, charity sale, back to school gatherings, and an anniversary dinner.

Tan said the school had very humble beginnings. The Chinese community in Saratok decided 100 years ago to set up a school for their children.

The present four-storey school building.

The structure of the school, situated by the bank of Sungai Krian at the time, was made of nipah leaves – hence, the name pondok daun nipah.

There were only 24 pupils and one teacher but as the population grew, so did awareness for the young to have a good education.

In 1949, a new building was put up to replace the pondok and 13 years later, a bigger building was erected to accommodate more pupils.

In the 1990s, it was decided to move the school to its present site. With enough funds raised, the construction of a new four-storey building began on a nearly two-acre site.

The project was completed in 1993 with more classrooms and facilities to take in more students, especially from the Bumiputera communities.

 

The old school building.

Historic milestone

On the centenary celebration, Tan said it marked a historic milestone for Saratok.

“SJK Min Syn Saratok is one of the oldest Chinese schools in Betong Division. It has been through thick and thin in tandem with the development and progress of Saratok.

“The school symbolises the struggles of its founders who wanted to provide education to the younger generation. After 100 years, it’s still standing and continuing to play an important role in producing human capital for the nation through education.”

He added that the school expected a 10 per cent increase in student enrolment each year and, as such, would continue to seek funds to improve the facilities for a conducive learning environment.

According to him, about RM274,150 is needed for repairs and upgrades of the school building and hall. And to the pleasant surprise of the management committee, parents and those connected with the school, Manyin announced the Sarawak government had agreed to grant RM300,000 to the school.

“This means there will be some balance for you to keep or spend on other needs,” the minister said.

The pupils present a special performance.

Having served as principal of SMK Saratok from 1978 to 1979, Manyin said he was happy to see the many changes taking place in Saratok and SJK Min Syn Saratok continuing to be school of choice for the communities there.

“The Sarawak government will continue to support and assist Chinese schools in the state,” he assured.

Meanwhile, Kalaka assemblyman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz also paid tribute to the school for contributing to the progress of Saratok.

He stressed the school was also a symbol of unity with a pupil population coming from various racial and religious backgrounds.

He also pledged funds from his allocation as elected representative for the school to ensure it continues to play a role in meeting the human capital needs of Sarawak and the country.