RM260m for repair of 67 dilapidated schools in Sabah

SIPITANG: The Sabah Education and Innovation Ministry is focusing on addressing problems of dilapidated schools, with RM260 million to be spent for repair and rebuilding of 67 such schools in the State this year.

Its Minister, Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said there are seven categories of dilapidated schools.

Those in category seven are declared unsafe and cannot be used, he told reporters after handing over the Cost of Living Aid (BSH) payment to the recipients here.

He said there are 1,300 primary and secondary schools in Sabah and 590 of them were categorised as dilapidated schools.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah.

CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030.

Last year, he said, RM100 million was allocated for repair and rebuilding of 24 dilapidated school buildings in the State.

Of the 24 schools, three are undergoing construction, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Tiong Wido, Tambunan, Sekolah Kebangsaan Nibang Pitas and Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai-Sungai, Beluran, he added.

Meanwhile, the BSH does not only help reduce the financial burden of low-income households, but also shows the government’s concern for the people.

A recipient of the BSH, Madun Karim, 54, said the aid helped her family with their daily expenses.

“I am grateful for the aid given today that has come from far away,” said Madun who is from Beaufort district.

Another recipient, Noribah Karim, 56, felt the same about the government aid.

A mother of nine, she said the BSH proved that the government was always concerned about the hardship faced by villagers who had no fixed income.

“I am poor, so I am grateful for the aid given by the government each year,” said Noribah who is from Kampung Padang Berempah, Sipitang.

Earlier, when met by reporters, Yusof said 206 individuals in the Sipitang parliamentary constituency received the aid in the form of vouchers as they did not have a bank account.

Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.

Daily Express Malaysia

He urged such BSH recipients to open a bank account to make it easier for them to receive the aid.

“Today, besides the handing-out of BSH, a mobile community service programme involving state and federal departments is also held for the benefit of local residents in dealing with these departments,” he said.

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00

Try 1 month for RM 18.00