By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 11: The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) has officially handed over two major education infrastructure projects worth more than RM100 million to the Ministry of Education Malaysia in a ceremony held in Bintulu yesterday (June 10).
The projects comprise the newly built SMK Sri Similajau and SK Orang Kaya Mohammad, which are aimed at strengthening education infrastructure and providing a modern, comfortable and conducive learning environment for students.
The handover was received on behalf of the Ministry of Education by Sarawak State Education Department senior assistant director of the Infrastructure and Procurement Sector (SIP), Masnah Abu Bakar.
The projects were handed over by Bintulu Division JKR engineer Ir. Lau Sie Hung, representing JKR Sarawak. The ceremony was witnessed by officers from JKR Bintulu Division, contractors and members of the school communities.
According to a statement by JKR Sarawak, SMK Sri Similajau, developed at a cost of RM57.618 million by Empayar Setia Sdn Bhd, features 36 classrooms, 24 units of teachers’ quarters, two hostel blocks and various supporting facilities designed to meet current educational needs.
The department said the school is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of the Samalaju community, which continues to grow as one of Sarawak’s key economic and industrial hubs.
Also handed over was SK Orang Kaya Mohammad Bintulu, a RM42.743 million project undertaken by EPR (Kuching) Sdn Bhd.
Established in 1912, the school now boasts a modern new campus built on a new site, offering enhanced educational facilities and a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers.
According to JKR Sarawak, the upgraded school is expected to become one of the most modern and visually impressive educational institutions in the State.
The department attributed the successful completion of both projects to close collaboration between the Ministry of Education, JKR Sarawak as the implementing agency, contractors, consultants and technical agencies involved.
It also highlighted the commitment of all parties in overcoming implementation challenges, including those arising during the Covid-19 pandemic and from escalating construction material costs.
JKR Sarawak said the completion and handover of the two schools reflect the government’s continued investment in human capital development, student well-being and the advancement of education in Sarawak.
With improved facilities and a more conducive learning environment, both schools are expected to play an important role in nurturing future generations who are knowledgeable, competitive and of strong character. — DayakDaily
