By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 11: The upgrading projects for two dilapidated schools, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Jalan Haji Baki in Kuching and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sungai Paoh in Sarikei, have been successfully completed and handed over to the Ministry of Education Malaysia, totalling RM33.63 million.
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi highlighted that SK Jalan Haji Baki project entailed the full replacement of 12 classrooms and additional facilities, while the SMK Sungai Paoh project involved both replacement and extension of school buildings.
“SK Jalan Haji Baki has faced challenges in recent years accommodating the growing number of students from surrounding villages and residential areas.
“Additionally, the deteriorating condition of the old wooden building no longer ensured the safety and comfort of its students and staff,” he said during the handover ceremony for the two completed projects held at SK Jalan Haji Baki today.
The new project has replaced the original wooden structure with a modern, purpose-built facility designed to create a more conducive and comfortable learning environment for both students and teachers.
The SK Jalan Haji Baki project, which commenced on April 14, 2022, and was completed on July 6, 2024, at a total cost of RM18.34 million, includes an administration and academic block featuring 12 classrooms, a teachers’ office, a treatment and dental room, a computer lab, a library, an art room, a science lab, and a surau.
Additional infrastructure improvements were also made, such as a covered open court, a canteen block, an electrical room, a pump house, a waste disposal area, a guardhouse, flag poles, covered walkways, a bicycle parking area, and other related amenities.
Meanwhile, the SMK Sungai Paoh project, which began on Oct 6, 2022, and was completed on October 5, 2024, at a cost of RM15.29 million, involved the construction of a new two-story dormitory for female students, replacing the previous wooden structure.
A new three-story academic block was also built, comprising classrooms, Design and Technology (RBT) workshops, Electrical and Electronics workshops, a Mathematics room, a Sports and Physical Education management room, teachers’ quarters, and a guardhouse.
Commending the contractors for completing both projects on schedule, Nanta emphasised that the timely delivery of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of dilapidated schools across Malaysia.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved for their dedication in ensuring the successful completion of the project for the benefit of both students and teachers.
“With the completion and handover of the new school building, the students of SK Jalan Haji Baki will now enjoy a more comfortable learning environment.
“The school not only serves Kampung Haji Baki but also nearby areas such as Kampung Stakan, Kampung Batu Perak, Kampung Padawan, and even Kem Penrissen,” he said in a statement. — DayakDaily
