The six schools are SK Pulau Seduku, SMK Sebuyau, and SK Nanga Pua in Selangau; SK Kampung Tanam and SK Kalok Pusa in Betong; and SK Abang Man Simunjan at a cost of about RM2 million each.
Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the pioneer project using IBS technology to restore Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Dengkil proved the technology saved time and the pricing was more competitive compared to conventional methods.
“With the success of the SJKT Dengkil project, we will extend (the restoration of schools) to other places. Following that, six schools in Sarawak have been identified for restoration using the IBS method.
“I hope the success would be seen as the sincerity of the government (in trying) to improve the country’s educational infrastructure towards a higher level of achievement in our education system,” he told a media conference after observing the results of the restored SJKT Dengkil here today.
Najib spent about one hour inspecting the restored buildings of the school and mingled with students and teachers later.
Also present were Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid, Health Minister S Subramaniam, Deputy Education Minister P Kamalanathan, Chief Secretary to the Government Ali Hamsa and Education Ministry secretary-general Madinah Mohamad.
On October 29, Najib conducted a surprise visit to SJKT Dengkil, which has 280 pupils and 24 teachers, to look into the condition of the school and the welfare of students. He also urged the parties concerned to immediately restore the dilapidated school.
After the visit, he directed renovations to be carried out at SJKT Dengkil immediately, including on the open drains, wiring system, science laboratory, canteen and resource centre, leaking roof and school parameter fencing.
Today, Najib, who was happy and satisfied with the pilot project to upgrade SJKT Dengkil, said it was a special project as the success brought about transformation in such a short period of time.
“In only 40 days, the school has a complete makeover. Now it has a two-storey block while facilities like the science laboratory, library, and staff room were upgraded and the open drains were closed permanently,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahdzir said the restoration of six schools in Sarawak would commence as soon as the contractors were appointed.
He said the Education Ministry’s officers would be going to the ground to meet and discuss with the headmasters and principals this week.
“There are about 7,000 schools in the country. The cost of repairing old and critically poor condition schools is very high.
“So IBS technology is one of the alternatives to restore schools and it also depends on the location of the schools.
“Apart from that, IBS is also certified by the Works Department as it assures the safety of students,” he said and added that it also saved cost.
In giving an example, Mahdzir said SJKT Dengkil was repaired using IBS at a cost of RM1.6 million compared to conventional methods that would cost between RM4-5 million.
– BERNAMA