DEBAK: The reconstruction of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Datuk Bandar Debak is seen as a strategic step in strengthening the quality of education through the provision of a more conducive and modern learning environment.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the initiative is an important investment in shaping the future of the younger generation.

He thus conveyed his appreciation to the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) for approving the allocation for the project which reflects the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the provision of safe and conducive educational infrastructure, particularly in Sarawak with its unique geographical challenges.

“A conducive learning environment is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process, thereby enhancing academic achievement as well as students’ character development,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at the Debak Milinea Hall on Monday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah emphasised that his ministry consistently prioritises efforts to repair, upgrade and rebuild dilapidated schools across Sarawak to ensure access to quality education for all communities, regardless of location.

At the same time, he informed that various initiatives have also been implemented to further strengthen education in Sarawak including the Dual Language Programme (DLP), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes, as well as the provision of free tuition for students.

“All these initiatives demonstrate the state government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the education system in Sarawak for the benefit of future generations,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam described the project as an important starting point in providing more comfortable and safer education facilities for students in the Debak area.

He emphasised that the reconstruction of the school is not merely a physical development but a symbol of hope in nurturing knowledgeable, moral and competitive generations while enhancing parents’ trust in the education system.

In the same vein, Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu said the project demonstrates that the voices of rural communities are consistently heard and prioritised by the government.

He also informed that the issue of dilapidated schools has long persisted in Betong, and the implementation of this project under the Sarawak Dilapidated Schools Programme is a significant step in addressing the problem.

He expressed hope that the reconstruction project, involving an allocation of RM17.9 million, would be completed on schedule, enabling students to benefit from improved facilities in the near future.

Also present were MEITD Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and MEITD Permanent Secretary Datu Adana Jed. -UKASnews

Translator: Suhaila AW