By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 3: The Sarawak government has agreed in principle to allocate RM55.2 million to upgrade the newly-renamed Sekolah Rendah Agama Datuk Haji Mohamad Mortadza Haji Daud at FAC Access Road, including the construction of a new sports field, 24 units of teachers’ quarters, and fencing to keep crocodiles out of the school compound.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the multipurpose sports field will be shared with two nearby schools, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Agama Datuk Haji Abdul Kadir Hassan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Agama Tun Ahmad Zaidi.
“Since the cost is high, the schools can share the field and track because their activities are held at different times. After all, these schools are all under the Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS),” he said during the opening ceremony of Sekolah Rendah Agama Datuk Haji Mohamad Mortadza Haji Daud today.
Abang Johari also highlighted the need for 24 units of teachers’ quarters for the new school, noting that each unit will include a living room and kitchen to adequately accommodate staff.
At the same time, he revealed that crocodiles had been sighted entering the school compound, raising safety concerns for students.
“They showed me a picture of a crocodile in the school area. Whether we like it or not, we must fence the entire area of the Islamic Council’s land, not only this school but also the surrounding areas, including the vacant FAC land,” he explained.
He stressed that the barbed wire fencing project is necessary to protect students and teachers from potential danger.
“The total estimation is RM55.2 million. InsyaAllah, the project can begin next year, with provisions to be made to ensure the safety of our children who are studying here,” he added.
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, MIS president Datuk Misnu Taha and Sekolah Rendah Agama Datuk Haji Mohamad Mortadza Haji Daud headmaster Amir Ahmad Dewan. — DayakDaily
