SIBU, Sept 27: The Sarawak government has spent about RM15 million to ensure the success of the Dual Language Programme (DLP), says Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dr Annuar Rapaee.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), he said the funds were for training teachers, buying books and providing many other facilities to ensure the programme’s success.
“We have spent money on the sellers of the Sarawak English symposium to emphasise among the teachers who teach English so that they can improve methods for teaching English.
“In addition, we also set up five Yayasan Sarawak schools with the objective, of course, that the language medium at the schools will be English,” he said when met by reporters during the launch of the Read English Programme involving 22 longhouses in his constituency of Nangka at Rh Dindang Emban on Sunday (Sept 25).
On the event, Dr Annuar said it was the first such programme launched in his constituency to enable children to master the English language.
He explained that the emphasis on English is not to ignore Bahasa Malaysia, but due to the importance of the language being mastered by students in Sarawak especially from an early age.
He also promised to obtain 1,000 books every year for all 22 longhouses in his area.
“I want the community to get involved by donating books and creating a donation box at Farley (supermarket). On this occasion, I would also like to thank Farley for cooperating and helping us in this programme,” he added.
Also present were political secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Azmee Wan Junaidi, Tuai Rumah Dindang Emban, Penghulu Eddy Jemat Jelian and Yayasan Farley president Eijing Lau. — DayakDaily
