BINTULU: The Sarawak Government has approved a special allocation of RM2.1 million for the construction of a new assembly hall at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bintulu, in a move to strengthen educational infrastructure in the area.

Tanjong Batu Assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming said the project will be financed through the Special Development Assistance Fund (SDAF) and is expected to enter the tender stage within the next one to two months.

He said the initiative reflects the Sarawak Government’s continued commitment to enhancing school facilities to ensure greater comfort and safety for students and educators alike.

“SMK Bintulu has over 3,000 students and has been in operation for more than 50 years. The need for a more complete and comfortable hall is pressing, in line with the school’s current capacity.

“With this special allocation, the school’s basic facilities can be upgraded in a comprehensive manner,” he said after a site visit to the school on Thursday.

He explained that the visit was conducted to obtain technical feedback and to ensure that safety considerations and design specifications meet the required standards before the tender process begins.

Once the design plans are finalised, the tender will be called, with construction expected to commence around the middle of this year.

The Tanjong Batu Assemblyman also expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg and the Sarawak Government for approving the allocation, which is described as a vital investment in human capital development in Bintulu.

The visit was also attended by representatives of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Public Works Department (JKR), District Education Office and the school administration to coordinate the technical requirements of the project. -UKASnews