“The ministry is in the midst of channelling the 2019 provision to the Sarawak State Education Department for the repair, maintenance and development of the schools,” said a statement.

In addition, RM25.7 million is allocated for the maintenance and upgrading of 135 schools in need of structural and minor repairs.

The ministry said the projects would be implemented by the Works Department with the appointment of contractors to be made through open tender.

It added that Education Minister Maszlee Malik was committed to resolving the problem of dilapidated schools in Sarawak and other states.

“MOE has always embraced the principles of cooperation with the Sarawak state government in ensuring that conducive learning facilities are provided for the students.

“MOE will take firm action including terminating the contract of contractors who fail to implement the project within the specified timeframe,” it added.

In another development, the ministry advised low-income families whose children were not entitled to the supplementary food programme (RMT) this year to submit their appeal to the respective schools.

“The RMT committee will give special consideration once the appeals are submitted,” it said.

MOE added that the conditions for the programme had not changed since 2014.