After 60 years, Julau students can finally pursue Form Six close to home

Rolland (front row, seated centre), school officials and pioneer Form Six students of SMK Julau pose for a group photo during his visit to the school on June 10, 2026. Photo credit: UKAS

By DayakDaily Team

JULAU, June 11: For generations of students in Julau, continuing their education after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination often meant leaving home and travelling to another district.

That long-standing reality has finally changed.

More than six decades after educational aspirations first took root in the district, SMK Julau has officially welcomed its first intake of Form Six students, allowing young people to pursue pre-university studies closer to home and easing the financial burden on their families.

Meluan assemblyman Dato Rolland Duat Jubin said the establishment of a Form Six centre at the school marks a significant milestone for the district and reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to education in rural areas.

Previously, students from SMK Julau and SMK Julau No. 2 who wished to continue their studies at the Form Six level had to enrol at SMK Meradong, incurring additional transportation and daily living expenses.

“The opening of Form Six at SMK Julau not only creates greater educational opportunities for students, but also reduces the financial burden on families while ensuring fairer access to education,” he was quoted as saying by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) during a visit to the pioneer Form Six students at the school yesterday (June 10).

Rolland said the achievement was made possible through continuous efforts and support from the government and the Ministry of Education.

This year, SMK Julau has received its first cohort of 98 Form Six students, who have been placed in three classes.

To support the growing student population, several infrastructure projects are also being implemented at the school.

These include the construction of a new multipurpose hall under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) with an allocation of RM500,000, the upgrading of the school dining hall at a cost of about RM350,000, and the construction of a new entrance gate worth RM100,000.

In addition, the three classrooms designated for Form Six studies will be equipped with air-conditioning to provide a more conducive learning environment.

Rolland expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Sarawak Education Department and the Julau District Education Office for their support in making the initiative a reality.

He said the new facilities and educational opportunities would help improve academic achievement and nurture more knowledgeable, skilled and competitive local talents in the future. — DayakDaily