By Shikin Louis
SIMUNJAN, Oct 5: Sarawak will allocate RM26 million to upgrade Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sageng in Simunjan using State funds after its canteen collapsed, leaving the facilities unsafe for students.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he saw first-hand the poor condition of the school when he visited the area recently with Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
“When I went to the back, the canteen had already collapsed. There was even a red-and-white line put up to warn people not to enter, because it was dangerous. I asked whether there was any allocation, but there was none.
“So, like it or not, we have to do it ourselves. I have approved RM20 million for the upgrading of the school, while about RM40 million will also go towards addressing riverbank erosion in Sageng,” he said when closing the Simunjan Festival here today.
Later, in a doorstep interview, Abang Johari reiterated that the State had no choice but to use its own funds to provide a safe learning environment for students, even though education is under federal jurisdiction.
“The school has no funding. How are the students supposed to eat when the canteen has already collapsed? When I visited, I decided that we must use Sarawak’s own resources, even if it is the responsibility of the federal government.
“We cannot let our students study in such conditions. That is why we are upgrading SK Sageng with RM26 million,” he stressed.
According to a Suara Sarawak report dated Sept 25, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee said the upgrading project involves the construction of a pre-school building, football field, academic building, multipurpose hall, and improved infrastructure for students and teachers.
The RM26.69 million project is scheduled for completion on May 3, 2028. – DayakDaily
