Restore RM1 billion funding for upkeep of Sabah schools, says state youth wing

Sabah Umno Youth information chief Naim Moktar estimates that the state government will have to spend over RM700 million to repair dilapidated schools. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has called on the state education and innovation minister to press the federal government for the restoration of funding to repair dilapidated schools in the state.

Sabah Umno Youth information chief Naim Moktar said the Barisan Nasional government had allocated a substantial amount for the repair and construction of schools in its budget for 2018.

However, he said, the present Pakatan Harapan government only put aside RM100 million in this year’s budget, tabled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng. He noted that the amount was for all dilapidated schools in the country.

“Previously, Sabah and Sarawak were allocated RM1 billion while Peninsular Malaysia was given RM500 million.

“If Education and Innovation Minister Yusof Yaacob is serious about developing education in the state, he should be firm and demand that the government restore the total funding.”

Yusof previously said his ministry would find ways to resolve such issues, including the problem of overcrowding in Sabah schools. He also acknowledged the anxiety of teachers and students over rundown schools in the state.

After a visit to schools in Sandakan, he also said more than 500 of the 1,296 schools in Sabah were in need of urgent repairs.

Naim said the average cost of upgrading a school was around RM1 million.

Citing figures given by Yusof, that 707 wooden or old schools were in need of immediate attention, he said this meant that the state government would have to fork out RM707 million or more for the purpose.

“Sabah Umno Youth feels this needs proactive action (as) the repairs and upgrades are imperative to ensure the safety of students and teachers, as well as to enhance the quality of education,” he said. - FMT