OYA: The Sarawak Government continues to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the local education community at SJK(C) Yak Tee, Oya, with the completion of a riverbank erosion mitigation project as well as upgrading works to the school’s basketball court.

The projects were officiated by Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah on Tuesday, reflecting the state government’s sustained commitment to providing a safe, comfortable and conducive school environment, particularly in areas prone to erosion risks.

The riverbank erosion protection project and associated works along Sungai Parit, Oya involved an allocation of RM500,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2022 and were fully implemented between April and December 2024.

In addition, the school’s basketball court facilities were upgraded through several phases under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) initiative involving the construction of a perimeter fence costing RM12,000 (MRP 2021), repainting works on the court pillars amounting to RM8,000 (MRP 2024), as well as an additional RM8,000 allocation under MRP 2025 to ensure the facility remains safe and in good condition.

After officiating the projects, Dato Sri Fatimah attended the 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration at the SJK(C) Yak Tee Court which took place in a lively atmosphere and reflected Sarawak’s multi-ethnic harmony.

In her speech, she said that the Chinese New Year celebration is not only significant to the Chinese community, but also serves as a symbol of unity and harmony within Sarawak’s multicultural society which upholds the values of tolerance, mutual respect and a strong sense of togetherness.

She also stressed that the organisation of such programmes provides a platform for the community to strengthen social bonds, enhance cultural understanding and foster a resilient spirit of unity, particularly among the younger generation.

Also present were Dalat District Education Officer Magdaline Jon, Headmaster of SJK(C) Yak Tee Lo Leh Na, Chairman of the School Governing Board Ong Sii Wei, Pasar Oya Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairman Kapitan Ong Hock Hoon, and other guests. -UKASnews