Rep: Don’t let red tapes hinder move to solve sinkhole issue at SK Satria Jaya

KUCHING (Oct 15): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed hope that the bureaucratic red tapes within the Education Department would not delay the implementation of a critical project aimed at addressing a sinkhole problem at SK Satria Jaya here.

He highlights education as falling under the purview of the federal government, and in this regard, he says the area’s Democratic Action Party (DAP) MP who has access to the federal Education Ministry should play a key role in securing federal funds for the project.

“While DAP is known for raising issues through the media, I hope they would focus more on taking concrete action, rather than merely highlighting problems for publicity.

“The way forward is not through excuses, finger-pointing, or blame-shifting for self-promotion. What we need are tangible results and action,” said Yap in a statement yesterday.

On Oct 14, Yap together with officers from the Public Works Department (JKR) visited SK Satria Jaya to assess the damage caused by the 1m deep sinkhole located near the main school building.

“During the site inspection, I requested that JKR propose a detailed scope of works and prepare a cost estimate to rectify the sinkhole.

“Preliminary estimates suggest that the repair works could cost around RM150,000,” said Yap.

While awaiting the full report and costing from JKR, Yap said the affected area had been cordoned off by the Fire Department to ensure the safety of the schoolchildren and staff.

He also assured the school administration that he would apply to the Premier’s Office to use his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) funds to address the issue once the necessary details from JKR had been finalised.

“The sinkhole problem must be resolved as soon as possible to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at SK Satria Jaya.

“I will also remain committed to utilising my RTP and MRP (Minor Rural Project) funds to improve the infrastructure and resources in my constituency.

“Students must have an environment conducive to learning, and the teachers should be able to perform their duties effectively,” said Yap.