KUCHING: The RM1 billion allocation to repair dilapidated schools in Sarawak as stated in the 2018 Budget will create a more conducive studying environment for students especially in the interiors of Sarawak.
SMK Petra Jaya Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Awang Zaidel Awang Jamil said the welfare of schools in the urban area should also not be sidelined.
“We understand that there is urgency for the respective authorities to repair schools in dilapidated condition located in the rural areas.
“However, we also hope that the state government and other related agencies will also look into the financial assistance sought by schools in the urban areas.
“Most of the schools in the city are more than 30 years old and are in need of repair works, especially wiring at the premise,” said Zaidel when asked to comment on the 2018 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday.
Zaidel also said the operating cost of running a school has increased over the years as many schools are establishing 21st century classroom.
“Most of the schools in the state utilises unused classroom and turn it into computer rooms without designating a special area to house the computer server.
“This will not only lead to higher use of electricity, which needed stringent monitoring to avoid any electrical issues.
“This also calls for higher maintenance cost and in some cases, it require the intervention of PTA to remit the bills. Not all PTAs in the state are blessed with sufficient financial resources,” he said adding that the SMK Petra Jaya PTA had spent RM500,000 to help create a more conducive learning environment for students at the school between 2013 and 2016.