KUCHING, July 5: One hundred rural schools in Sarawak are expected to be connected to the grid system soon once there is enough funding from the State Education Department, said Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said since 2017, 13 rural schools near the power grid have already been connected to the grid by Sarawak Energy.
“Another 100 rural schools identified in the plan can be connected upon payment of the connection charges for grid-connectivity by the State Education Department.
“This will provide reliable electricity at lower cost as the schools will be connected to metered power from the grid as Sarawak enjoys the lowest tariffs in Malaysia,” Dr Rundi said today.
He added that his ministry will collaborate closely with the State Education Department in connecting schools to the grid as identified in the plan with the required funding.
“With extra funding, more nearby rural schools are expected to be connected to reliable electricity from the power grid,” he said.
Dr Rundi who is also Kemena assemblyman said his ministry will continue to coordinate with the State Education Department, Sarawak Energy and the State Public Works Department through a Technical Working Committee for grid-connection of rural schools in stages.
He also stressed that the cost for grid connectivity and internal wiring works have already been determined for schools identified for funding from the State Education Department through the Federal Ministry of Education. — DayakDaily
