Sarawak to upgrade dilapidated schools with ‘new financial model’

Dilapidated schools in Sarawak will be redeveloped via a new financing model created through the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBoS).

"The bank will charge the federal government to reimburse the funds taken by the state government. This is an understanding between the state and federal governments," said Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.

He was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the 127th Anniversary of SK Abang Ali at the school's multipurpose hall, Sibu, last night.

Abang Johari also said that the development of dilapidated schools in the state was the main agenda for the establishment of the state ministry of education, science and technology research, recently.

Led by its assistant minister Annuar Rapa'ee, who is also Nangka assemblyman, he said the ministry would also monitor developments in the state's education system.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari also announced the formation of a committee to establish the Abang Ali secondary school in the heart of the Malay villages in Sibu, to be chaired by Annuar.

"With this committee, as long as I am chief minister, I will look for a strategic location in this area to establish the new school and we will ask the federal government to help as well", he said.

SK Abang Ali, established in 1890, is the only Malay school in Sibu town.

Abang Johari's wife Juma'ani Bujang and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Rohani Karim are among the former pupils of the school.

The chief minister then announced an allocation of RM2.5 million to build a building to house the teachers' room and students' hall, which will cost RM3.5 million.

The balance of the construction cost is donated by businessman Bustari Yusuf, also a former pupil of the school.

- Bernama