KAPIT: The Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening education in rural areas through the implementation of the Dilapidated School Redevelopment Programme, funded under a special RM1 billion allocation to provide more modern, safe and conducive learning facilities for Sarawak's children.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said school redevelopment projects are among the state government's strategic efforts to ensure all pupils enjoy access to quality educational facilities.

"This school is one of the schools we have redeveloped.

"In fact, we have paid the Federal Government RM1 billion, and this is part of the RM1 billion allocation for us to develop schools. So far, about RM300 million has been utilised," he said.

He said this during a working visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kampung Baru here on Saturday to view the outcome of the Dilapidated School Redevelopment Project, which was fully completed in 2025.

During the visit, the Sarawak Premier was briefed by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) on the project's implementation before personally inspecting the academic block, administration block and various newly completed facilities.

He also spent time interacting with the school community and local residents, in addition to viewing a project exhibition showcasing development progress, including the school's condition before and after construction.

The RM12.84 million SK Kampung Baru redevelopment project was fully completed in 2025 with the construction of a four-storey academic block and a four-storey administration block equipped with various modern facilities.

Among the facilities provided are classrooms, a science room, a resource centre, a teachers' office, an administration room, toilets, and a discussion area designed to create a more comfortable and conducive teaching and learning environment.

The project benefits 260 pupils and 33 teachers, successfully ending SK Kampung Baru's dilapidated school status and improving the wellbeing of the school community.

The working visit also reflected the Sarawak Government's commitment to strengthening rural development through the provision of quality education facilities, while ensuring every child in Sarawak enjoys access to a safe and modern learning environment.

Also present were Minister of Public Works, who is also Kapit Member of Parliament, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister at the Sarawak Premier's Office (Law and Native Customs), who is also Bukit Goram Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, JKR Sarawak Director Datu Ir. Dr Cassidy Morris and Sarawak Education Department Director Omar Mahli. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng