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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 23: The plan to upgrade SK Sageng is still awaiting a report on the project’s cost estimate from Sarawak Education Department.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had previously visited the school in Simunjan together with Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and former Gedong assemblyman Datuk Naroden Majais.
During the visit, he was notified of the school’s poor conditions including the uneven floors at the students’ recess space caused by unstable ground conditions and peat soil.
“However, until today, I have yet to receive the details on the cost estimate from Sarawak Education Department.
“If possible, please inform the director (Datu Dr Azhar Ahmad) because I want to include SK Sageng’s upgrading project into my budget,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of Emart Youth Leadership Camp held at SMK Gedong in Samarahan today.
Earlier, Abang Johari who is Gedong assemblyman also requested the Sarawak Education Department to prepare the cost estimate report for the construction of new blocks for SMK Gedong.
At the same time, he also noted the dilapidated condition of several schools he had previously visited including the old SK Ulu Segan in Kemena, SK Penasu in Daro and SK Maludam in Betong.
Following this, he said that he was unhappy with the Ministry of Education (MOE) due to lack of funds channeled, leading the Sarawak government to use its own funds to ensure better facilities for the schools.
“Education is very important. I do not wish to condemn the federal government but if you want to make promises, walk the talk,” he stated.
Also present were Naroden who is also the advisor to Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak, Samarahan Resident Irwan Bahari Bujang, Emart Group of Companies founder and managing director Ngu Ting Sii, SMK Gedong principal Abdul Wahab Bujang and Chief Political Secretary to Premier of Sarawak, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
