KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will be able to repair and upgrade run-down schools in the state within two years, thanks to the RM1 billion special allocation under the 2018 Budget.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who is also in charge of state education, said there were many dilapidated schools throughout the state, some of which were built prior to Merdeka.
“We are glad that the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) announced a RM1 billion allocation to repair run-down school buildings in Sabah.
“Just a few days ago, I had meeting with the Sabah Education Department to discuss how we can tackle this problem (dilapidated schools).
“We have already come up with several proposals but were pleasantly surprised with the prime minister's announcement, which will practically help solve the problem in two years,” he said, when met at Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman's official residence at Sri Gaya, here.
Masidi said this would boost the education level in the state with improved facilities.
“Our only hope is that the implementation of the allocation will be done properly and that the Education Ministry will ensure such a large allocation is not wasted,” he said.
Meanwhile, Eastern Sabah Safety Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali welcomed the RM250 million allocation set aside for the security agency.
“It is a positive announcement which shows the government is committed to preserving the country's safety and harmony,” he said.
The RM250 million allocation for Esscom is to increase the security at Sabah and Sarawak borders, which includes RM50 million for coastal surveillance radars.
Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak described the comprehensive budget as an inclusive one.
“It shows that the government listens to the voice of the people and understand their aspirations.
“This budget is realistic and prudent, not a populist one like Pakatan Harapan's shadow budget," he said in a statement.
The 2018 Budget has allocated RM280.25 billion, an addition of RM19.45 billion from the 2017 Budget.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau also expressed his satisfaction with the announcement of the setup of a National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Training Centre.
“The centre, with the partnership with British Council, can provide training for our Science teachers.
“It will also be coordinated by the Malaysia Science Academy," he said in a statement, adding the centre is important towards the development of human capital.
He said his ministry has an important role to play in motivating future generations to adopt STEM.
“Preparation is needed now so that future generations will not blame us for not establishing a proper platform for them,” he said.