By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 1: Large, modern, spacious and beautiful. Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has deemed the newly built RM26-million SK Ulu Segan in Kemena, Bintulu a model school that should be replicated throughout Sarawak.
The school features a three-storey academic block with 12 classrooms to house 200 students, two-storey administrative block, a dining hall, a canteen, a library, dormitories for boys and girls, three-storey quarters, a pre-school block, football field and other facilities.
“There are no schools in Malaysia in this category with such a beautiful and welcoming environment. It will become a model school for the development of other schools in Sarawak.
“I will send photos of this new school to the (Federal) Ministry of Education (MOE) to show them that this is the standard of school in Sarawak for them to emulate,” he told a press conference following a visit to the new school in Bintulu today.
Brimming with pride, Abang Johari added that even Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas wanted to build such a school in Betong, as did Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi for Sebuyau and other elected representatives who took part in today’s visit.
Even though education matters are under the federal watch, the Premier emphasised that the Sarawak government decided to undertake the construction of the new school as it could not wait for the federal government to act on the matter.
“The old SK Ulu Segan was affected by flooding problems including sightings of crocodiles which made it unsafe for students and teachers. Due to the urgency and because students and teachers deserve a better, more conducive, and safer learning environment, we decided to build the school,” he explained.
While physical construction has been completed, the brand new school is still pending installation of other features including furniture which is expected to be completed by October this year.
Thereafter, the school will be handed over to the Sarawak Education Department for them to choose a date for the school opening and welcoming students to the modern facility that will benefit the local community for generations to come.
“With this spectacular study environment, the future of our children is bright.
“There is also a library facility filled with the latest books in the school because we want to encourage our children to read more beyond what they learn in school. Likewise for teachers, they can continue to improve their knowledge and skills through the Internet,” Abang Johari added.
On Internet connectivity, Julaihi revealed that there are already fiber optic connections within the area and gave assurance that the school will have access to high speed Internet. — DayakDaily
