DURING a recent Dewan Rakyat session, it was revealed that 1,061 buildings in government schools are at "Scale 7", the Public Works Department's (PWD) recommendation for demolition. Scale 7 deems a facility severely compromised demanding immediate intervention.
This could mean heavily corroded rebar, sinking foundations, wall fissures, erosion underneath buildings or termite rot. It covers old classroom blocks, isolated science labs or hostels.
In this risky situation, the facility is sealed and students are sent to safer structures, sometimes makeshift buildings or tents, or transferred to nearby schools.
The degeneration was spurred by historical systemic gaps in asset management. Now we begin to understand rotting timber roof trusses, deep concrete spalling, minor disrepairs that just metastasised into Scale-7 hazards.
Most of the dilapidated school buildings are in Sabah and Sarawak because of their geographical and logistical difficulties. Compounding the issue is the escalating costs of construction materials and machinery.
The federal government must transcend temporary quick-fixes, and act swiftly and holistically to repair, rejuvenate and maintain these schools.
First, repair and reconstruction: the fastest option is replacing unsafe blocks with pre-fabricated concrete or steel frames. Second, build modern, climate-resilient facilities that are designed for long-term wear and tear.
These structures should have sensible ventilation and cooling, and use modular layouts with open science spaces or digital labs. Third, institute long-term preventive maintenance, instead of "complaint-driven" interventions.
Under the 2026 Budget, the Education Ministry will use RM2 billion of its RM66.2 billion allocation to fast-track upgrading of 520 dilapidated schools.
The ministry is pushing for phased rebuilding, but it should also regularly update the public on timelines, budget allocations and project progress.
It's a given that the ministry coordinate with PWD, the Finance Ministry, state governments and local authorities to speed up approvals and procurement.
At the very least, the problem has been identified, classified and acknowledged. - NST
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