Secondary school for Nabalu at last
NABALU: A long awaited secondary school project is now finally in the process of completion in Nabalu.
“Today we are gathered here to address two important issues, namely the Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) pilot project and more importantly, to address one of the biggest concerns the Nabalu people are facing (to have its own secondary school).
“Finally, one our biggest dreams, which is to have our own secondary school here in Nabalu, is finally achieved.
“There have been a lot of opinions thrown around, especially from the people from ‘the other side’. They tend to twist a lot of things.
“However, in actual fact, although the previous school project has been abandoned (due to unforeseen circumstances), there is no doubt that the Barisan Nasional government has been really keen on helping the people of Nabalu.
“It was really unfortunate that the previously proposed ground for the high school was unfit, due to its seismic force. As a result, the project had to be stopped to ensure the safety of the students,” said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau.
Madius, who is also the Tuaran member of parliament, explained that upon receiving a written report from the Minerals and Geoscience Department saying that the proposed ground’s landform was unsafe, the government decided to stop the project.
Even though there were financial losses as a result of the said cancellation, Madius said that the government never stopped fighting to build the school.
“It took us a really long time to look for the right land since we have to consider a lot of factors before we can actually build a school. Today, finally, we have found the perfect place to do so, which is here at Kampung Giok.
“Kampung Giok will be the only village in this area that will have a secondary school. There is no need for the people of Nabalu to go all the way to Tenghilan, Tamparuli, Kiulu or anywhere else. They can just go here,” he said.
He further disclosed that there is now ample water and electricity supply and also a piping system in the said area. On top of that, the road leading to the school will also be improved.
It was understood all that is needed to be done right now is to get five more signatures from the Native Customary Rights land owners. Ten signatures have been obtained thus far and once all 15 signatures have been done and dusted, the designing work can start.
He disclosed that new school project, which will stand on a 20-acre ground, has not yet been named.
Also present at the event was Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
“This issue has been very critical to me. I was made to understand that this area has 15 primary schools. As a result of the abandonment of the prevous SMK Giok project, which started back in 2012, the students in this area had no choice but to travel far to attend secondary school.
“Ever since the project has been abandoned, Tuaran MP (Madius) has never failed to bring up this project to me. He keeps inviting me to visit the project site.
“We, the Barisan Nasional government, truthfully want to complete this project as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we have to adhere to the rules and the rules have stated that the previous land was just not safe.
“Today, I can confirm that this ground will officially have its own high school pending the signatures of the five remaining land owners,” said Mahdzir.
Mahdzir had also suggested that the design of the school building should be simple and need not have to be a tall building.
“We are very thankful to have Datuk Seri Mahdzir in our presence today. It is not easy to bring a federal minister here. He came here a day before the start of Ramadan. We are truly grateful,” said Madius in expressing his gratitude towards Mahdzir.
Madius and Mahdzir had conducted a working visit to the project site yesterday, which is near to SK Giok.
Also present at the event was Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.