Parents voice concern over deteriorating condition of SK Batu Niah, urge immediate relocation

Janting (4th left) with Rosey (on Janting's left) and others at the launching of the SK Batu Niah Annual Athletics Championships in Miri on Aug 24, 2024.

By Tedong Rantayy

MIRI, Aug 24: The parents of students of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Niah have voiced their concerns over the deteriorating condition of the school, which has been deemed unsafe and is in urgent need of relocation.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) chairman, Councillor Sebastian Janting Takin, revealed that the school received an official letter confirming its unsafe status, which was determined by the Public Works Department (JKR) about a year ago.

Speaking today at the school, Janting disclosed that the PTA has identified a potential plot of land for the new school and has submitted an application for the construction of the facility.

However, the land application is still being processed.

“We appeal to Deputy Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Sarawak Datuk Rosey Yunus to expedite the land application process with the Land and Survey Department,” Janting urged.

The PTA chairman highlighted that parents’ concerns extend beyond the safety of the students.

“The safety of our teachers, who are responsible for educating our children, is also of paramount importance,” he stressed.

The potential closure of the school has heightened anxieties among parents, who fear that their children might be left without a suitable place to continue their education.

“I’ve heard that the Sarawak government is in the process of developing new schools. We would like to request that a new school be constructed here as well,” Sebastian said, appealing to Datuk Rosey, who is also the Bekenu assemblywoman, to bring this matter to the attention of the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari and other relevant education authorities.

In a gesture of appreciation, Janting also thanked Rosey for allocating an additional RM2,000 for the SK Batu Niah Annual Athletics Championships held earlier today.

The PTA hopes that the authorities will take swift action to ensure the safety and continuity of education for the students at SK Batu Niah. — DayakDaily