By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 31: The Sarawak government is fully committed to supporting the reconstruction of Chinese schools in order to address the issue of dilapidated schools in the state.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian stated that the Sarawak Chinese School Education Fund, established by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, is now prioritising the reconstruction and relocation of Chinese schools.
“Many Chinese schools in Sarawak face the problem of dilapidated schools that need rebuilding.
“Some Chinese schools may have to move to the city for reconstruction because of problems with student resources, and this is an issue that must be prioritised and resolved,” he was quoted as saying.
Dr Sim made the remarks after inspecting the Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJKC) Chiaw Nan in Taman Tunku in Miri on Wednesday evening (May 29).
He went on to say that the related education fund receives an annual allocation of RM12 million for Government Aided Chinese Schools and only RM10 million for Independent Chinese Schools, which is coordinated by the Sarawak Board of Directors Association specifically for the construction of Chinese schools.
In addition, the minister stated that once the issue of rebuilding and relocating old schools is resolved, the Education Department will reconsider how to allocate annual funding to schools in need.
During the visit, Dr Sim represented the Sarawak government by presenting a RM1 million donation cheque to the SJKC Chiaw Nan Relocation Committee for the construction of a new classroom block.
Ukas also stated that the SJKC Chiaw Nan Miri was originally located in Marudi before being relocated to Miri City due to a lack of students.
So far, 120 students have registered there, and the school will open in July 2024.
Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and Miri City Mayor who is also Pujut Assemblyman, Adam Yii Siew Sang, were also present during the handover. — DayakDaily
