RM13.3 mln allocated to Piasau schools in through RTP since 2016, says deputy minister

MIRI (March 13): A substantial portion of his constituency development funds has been channelled towards education through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), said Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

He said that since being elected as Piasau assemblyman in 2016 until 2025, more than RM13.3 million has been allocated to schools through various RTP projects, reflecting his focus on improving school infrastructure and creating better learning environments.

“Schools are very important because they represent our future generation. That is why we pay special attention to school children and the development of school facilities,” he said during a visit to SMK Luak and SK Kampung Luak.

According to Ting, the effort is aimed at ensuring students have a conducive learning environment while also supporting teachers and school administrations in delivering quality education.

He also noted that the Sarawak government has consistently placed education among its key priorities, citing initiatives such as the provision of free tertiary education as part of the state’s commitment.

“At the end of the day, education is the foundation for the future. By strengthening our schools today, we are preparing the next generation to lead Sarawak forward,” he added.

At SMK Luak, Ting inspected an ongoing project involving the construction of drains near the school’s football court.

The RM100,000 project, which commenced on Dec 22, 2025, is expected to be completed within six months, around mid-June this year.

Once completed, the drain will help divert rainwater away from the school compound and reduce the risk of flooding.

Another RTP project at SMK Luak is the installation of a roof over a netball court at a cost of RM250,000.

The project is expected to commence by the end of March and be completed within six months.

Ting later visited two RTP 2025 projects at SK Kampung Luak — a futsal court and a roofed open multipurpose hall.

The futsal court was built at a cost of RM120,000, while the multipurpose hall was upgraded with a roof at a cost of RM80,000.

Meanwhile, Ting also presented Minor Rural Projects (MRP) cheques to both schools.