Upgrading work on six Sarawak schools to be completed by May - Mahdzir

Projects to upgrade six more old and dilapidated schools in Sarawak is expected to be completed in May, said Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

He said the project under the National Blue Ocean Strategy-Program Inisiatif Libat Sama (NBOS-PILS) was now 30 per cent complete.

"We reckon work on the six schools will be completed by the third week of May," he told reporters after visiting Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Ladong here, together with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.

The NBOS-PILS programme was implemented in collaboration with the Higher Education and Education ministries to reduce cost and provide students with practical experience to help transform the condition of school's without affecting its physical structure.

Through the programme, the ministry was able to save up to 50 per cent of funds allocated for high-impact programmes, including renovations and upgrading of laboratories, and other facilities.

According to Mahdzir, under the programme, two schools - SK Sg Ladong and SK Pinang - in Kota Samarahan were completed and now operating.

Mahdzir said 12 schools in Sarawak were in the process of obtaining approval under a similar programme and the approval was expected within two weeks.

"Overall there are 20 schools under this programme in Sarawak and the total cost is estimated at RM50 million," he said.

Meanwhile, Rohani who is Batang Lupar Member of Parliament said the upgrading of SK Sg Ladong was welcomed by the surrounding residents and community.

"A million thanks to the Prime Minister for speeding up this project and having it completed within seven weeks," she said adding it was a great progress for the Batang Lupar community.