Photo shows the termite-infested window panel at SK Rumah Tinggi.
MIRI: The Sarawak government is urged to act promptly in addressing the dilapidated school issue, and also the reconstruction of SK Rumah Tinggi, Sungai Pakut in Bekenu, which is in very bad shape.
National Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Women executive committee member Zulhaidah Suboh says now that the federal government has channelled a RM100 million-fund to the Sarawak government for the purpose, the upgrading works must be done the soonest and fast.
She said this when she visited and see for herself the condition of SK Rumah Tinggi in Bekenu yesterday.
“The condition of the school leaves much to be desired. The school’s wooden structure is practically rotting, and eaten by termites.”
She said the school was also in dire need of covered walkways between building blocks for the safety and comfort of the pupils and teachers, during the inclement weather.
Zulhaidah, who is also Sibuti PKR Women chief, said good drainage was needed to prevent flooding, and prevent water from collecting in the many low-lying areas in the school compound, which could become potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
For the record, the school recorded a 100 per cent passing rate in last year’s Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR).
Zulhaidah went on to say that the tables and chairs in the school had never been changed since the 1980s.
“The small teachers’ room has to accommodate nine teachers because there is no other bigger room available.
“At the computer room, 20 (of 30 units) of the 1Malaysia laptops are not in working condition.
“Six damaged desktops have been sent to the supplier for repairs but after so many months, they have yet to be repaired, with the supplier saying that the new stock has not arrived.”
Zulhaidah also said the water supply to the school was not clean.
“It is murky like the colour of tea, and therefore not safe for consumption.”
She added the toilet on stilt could collapse at any time, and the ceiling fans in the classrooms were not working.
“Thanks to the parent-teacher association, each classroom is now equipped with a stand fan,” added Zulhaidah.
Zulhaidah says the condition of the rural primary school leaves much to be desired.