KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has given its assurances that it is committed to reducing the education gap in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak by focusing on dilapidated schools.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said besides developing the schools, the ministry was also planning to build new schools in the Bornean states under the 2024 Budget.
She said the ministry had always kept in touch with the state governments in discussing issues relating to education.
"We have the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) committee which always brings forth discussions in the context of how can we focus on education issues.
"Therefore, what has been discussed will always be reported so that these issues can be dealt with promptly, especially in Sarawak.
"So, when we talk about developing the curriculum, infrastructure, and (students') moral value, we want the balance (between urban and rural) to take place," she said after attending the Malaysia Teacher Prize 2023 award ceremony here.
The award saw Nazmi Rosli, 30, who teaches at SK Long Sebangang in Sarawak, declared the grand winner for his sheer dedication to ensuring students in rural areas are provided with education.
Nazmi, hailing from Lawas in Sarawak, was one of the five teachers out of 2,135 applications nationwide shortlisted as finalists and will brought home a cash prize of RM50,000 as well as a trophy.
Meanwhile, regarding the Sarawak government's proposal for its own assessment system for Year Six students, Fadhlina reiterated that the ministry was always open to suggestions.
"What we want to strengthen is the matter of assessment. So, we hope the discussions will go well and mutually develop in the context of education.
"We are always in discussion because I'm sure the committee (MA63) is constantly raising the matter."