Sandakan school declared unsafe
More than 300 primary students studying at SK Berhala Darat, Sim-Sim in Sandakan are currently at risk as the Public Works Department has categorised the school building as ‘too dangerous’ and unfit for use.
SANDAKAN: More than 300 primary school students studying at Sekolah Kebangsaan Berhala Darat, Sim-Sim here are currently at risk as the Public Works Department (JKR) has categorised the school building as ‘too dangerous’ and unfit for use.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said he had instructed the district education office not to allow the children to use the school building.
The wooden building of SRK Berhala Darat, which stands on stilts over water, was previously occupied by SK Pangeran Galpam, which has moved to Mile 1.5 here.
“The wooden building is too old and the damage is too severe. It is beyond repair. Hence I have requested the education office to move the students to the SK Tanjung Papat 1 building.
“This is because there is a building in SK Tanjung Papat that is ready to be used. We only need to paint the classrooms and prepare the utilities, he told a press conference held at Sandakan Municipal Council after attending the monthly meeting of the council chaired by SMC President Datuk James Wong.
“Since it is the school holidays now, we are hopeful to get the building ready for the students when school starts,” he said.
Tan, who is also Industrial Development Minister and Tanjung Papat assemblyman, said that although it is troublesome for students and teachers of SK Berhala Darat to move to another location, the safety of the children has to come first.
“I understand that it is important for the students to continue their classes, but I think their safety is more important,” he added.
Tan said that moving the students to the SK Tanjung Papat 1 building is not a temporary solution, as he does not have the budget to rebuild the school.