587 dilapidated Sabah schools to be upgraded in stages

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 587 dilapidated schools in Sabah will be upgraded in stages depending on the state’s financial situation, State Education and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said yesterday.

He said the schools were among the 707 wooden or old schools in Sabah that needed repairs.

A total of 120 dilapidated schools in Sabah were upgraded last year, he added.

“If we do not take action, we (Sabah) will be far behind in terms of learning environment, infrastructure, learning facilities and ecosystems.

“However, the upgrading of these schools is dependent on (government) finance, but it (the financial situation) is not an excuse and we must look at it as a priority so that it can be resolved,” he told reporters at the Christmas Open House organised by Parti Warisan Sabah yesterday.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is also Warisan president, and his wife Datin Seri Shuryani Shuib and other party leaders. Dr Yusof said that these schools constructed out of wood are in dire condition and must be replaced with new ones as some schools such as in Sandakan have become too old and infested with termites.

The minister said the dilapidated school category doesn’t include existing schools that are overcrowded beyond capacity, some 100% over the maximum amount.

He added some schools even face water and electricity supply problems and lack logistical connectivity as well as internet facility, amongst others.

“I have taken action and discussed with my friend at the central (level), which is the Malaysian Education Ministry, Dr Maszlee Malik, on how to solve these problems. We cannot wait any longer. A massive effort must be taken. I think parents, teachers understand. Sabah leaders also understand that these conditions must be repaired.

Dr Yusof added that plans to fix the remaining number of Sabah dilapidated schools will also be affected by the national financial situation.

However, he said an emergency fund had been approved for damage repairs caused by natural disasters, for example.