KUCHING, March 9: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has identified a total of 587 school sites in Sarawak that have not yet been transferred ownership to the Federal Land Commissioner (PTP) so that development projects can be implemented as of Jan 31 this year.
Deputy Minister of Education Datuk Mohamad Alamin however emphasised that the MOE is committed to implement “land whitening” or legalisation of land for the 587 school sites to PTP.
“Based on the guidelines for the preparation of the 12th Malaysia Plan, the implementation of large-scale development projects including full replacement, building upgrades, or construction of additional blocks cannot be considered by central government agencies for such schools,” he said in response to a question from Baram MP Anyi Ngau in the Dewan Rakyat today.
In addition, he explained, the MOE is actively acquiring sites in accordance with the Department of the Director General of Federal Lands and Mines (JKPTG) and the relevant State government agencies.
However, Mohamad stressed that maintenance and small projects will still be implemented to ensure that all schools continue to be in a conducive and safe condition for learning sessions.
“The ministry will take immediate action for any maintenance, minor works on problems that could be hazardous,” he added in response to additional questions from Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang on the MOE’s efforts to assist dilapidated schools with illegal status, such as the SK Samarahan Estate, which is at risk of collapsing. — DayakDaily
