by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 17 – The newly upgraded SMK Saribas in Debak, Betong is set to support the growing student population and strengthen the education ecosystem in Saribas and its surrounding areas.
Constructed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Industrialised Building System (IBS) technology to improve construction quality and productivity, the project also incorporates the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework to ensure a sustainable, ergonomic, and eco-friendly design focused on student well-being, accessibility, and environmental impact.
According to Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the upgraded school is expected to be able to meet the growing demands and population in the area.
“Rapid development and the emergence of new villages and settlements have increased student enrolments in schools.
“In this regard, the Ministry of Works hopes that the construction of this school building will be able to support the education ecosystem in Saribas and the surrounding areas and provide a more conducive and viable teaching and learning environment for students,” he said in his speech during the handover ceremony of the reconstructed and expanded SMK Saribas Debak, Betong.
The reconstruction and expansion of SMK Saribas school is part of the Sarawak Dilapidated School Project (2021) and an initiative under the Sabah and Sarawak Rural Development Programme which aims to upgrade run-down schools or “sekolah daif”.
Implemented by the Public Works Department (JKR) as the executing agency for the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM), the RM10.15 million project was carried out by JKR Malaysia’s Special Project Team 2 (PPK2) using the ‘Design and Build’ method, starting on March 21, 2023. The Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) was issued on March 4, 2025.
The scope of this project includes the construction of one indoor hall, two new classrooms, one Visual Arts Education room, and two teacher housing units (Class F). The project also includes the demolition of the SAGA Block and an old quarter block to make room for the construction of a new, more modern structure.
“The design of this project also adopts the ESG – Environment, Social and Governance approach where JKR Malaysia has set important criteria to ensure that the building constructed not only meets educational needs, but is also sustainable and resilient, has a design suitable for all groups including people with disabilities, comfortable spaces and has ergonomic features as well as being environmentally friendly with natural lighting and good ventilation.
“More importantly, this facility is easy to maintain,” Nanta explained.
“The implementation of this project proves the MADANI Government’s commitment to further improve the education ecosystem through the construction of modern and conducive educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the Ministry of Education for the trust and cooperation given, especially in the supervision on site until this project is completed. Experience and lessons learned are very useful as a guide in the implementation of the project in the future,” he added. – DayakDaily
