By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 26: SMK Sebuyau’s boys’ hostel now sports a new look and expanded capacity following an RM800,000 upgrade under PETRONAS’ MLNG Bestari Outreach Programme (Powering Knowledge), in a major step toward improving rural education infrastructure in Sarawak.
The initiative, led by Malaysia LNG Sdn Bhd (MLNG), a subsidiary of PETRONAS, was officially launched at a ceremony today, graced by Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman.
“SMK Sebuyau is one of the dilapidated schools in dire need of full reconstruction. While we have recently awarded the tender to build a new school at a new site in Sebuyau New Township, it will take time to complete.
“So, Petronas MLNG stepping in to support immediate needs is very much welcomed,” he told reporters. An audio recording of the press conference was shared with DayakDaily after the event.
Julaihi also pointed out that previous Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocations had helped provide infrastructure such as canopies and a multipurpose hall for the school, but it was still insufficient given the growing student population, which now stands at 936.
The transformation of the hostel is part of MLNG’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitment to empower education through improved facilities.
With the facelift, the hostel can now accommodate over 250 boarders annually. Contributions also include the repair of damaged classrooms, upgrades to public address systems and the provision of basic educational tools such as tables, chairs, beds, mattresses, smart TVs, air-conditioners, metal racks, solar lamps and industrial wall fans—benefiting nearly 1,000 students in total.
At the same time, Julaihi took the opportunity to appeal to PETRONAS to consider offering special admission opportunities to rural SPM leavers to pursue higher education at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).
“Students from rural schools like SMK Sebuyau have talent and ability. What they lack is access to the same resources and exposure.
“If they are given a chance to study in the same environment as students from urban areas, I am confident they will excel,” he added.
He proposed that PETRONAS provide special consideration to deserving rural students, which could help produce future engineers and professionals who may one day serve in the oil and gas sector, including with PETRONAS, Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) or other key industries.
Also present were Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, PETRONAS Senior Vice-President for LNG Assets Abang Yusuf Abang Puteh and SMK Sebuyau principal Awang Abas Awang Lawi. — DayakDaily
