Schools among projects on the table in Bau

BAU: Discussions are underway on future projects in the district, including the establishment of a Form 6 College or another secondary school to accommodate the growing student population.

Deputy Minister of Transport and Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said plans are also being considered for the establishment of a Vocational Secondary School or Technical Secondary School here.

“This is to meet the demand for skilled labour and to support talent and human capacity development as Sarawak moves towards a prosperous future,” he said during the opening of Sekolah Kebangsaan Suba Buan’s new building here on Saturday (Aug 17).

Henry added that the planning and discussion on the proposed projects are also being held with the Bau District Education Office.

On a related note, he said he is also prioritising the redevelopment of dilapidated and at-risk schools.

“The educational infrastructure in the Bau District was mostly built before the formation of Malaysia and has been improved over time.

“Since 2018, various improvement and redevelopment projects for schools have been implemented, are currently ongoing, and will continue to be carried out to enhance access to education and facilities in the district,” he said.

Among the projects, he added is the Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction project, which has been completed to replace dilapidated buildings at schools such as SK Senibong, SK Sungai Pinang, SK Podam, SK Sebobok, SK Serabak, SK Serasot, SK Gumbang Dormitory, and SMK Lake Dormitory.

“Also included are the Samling Group CSR Project for classroom buildings at SK Puak and the replacement of dilapidated buildings at SK Grogo under the RM1 Billion Sarawak Dilapidated Schools Fund,” he said.

He also said there will be the replacement project for SK Serumbu under the said Fund and it is expected to commence soon.

“The redevelopment of SMK Lake is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, while the construction of a new Bau District Education Office is expected to begin in October this year.

“The acquisition of a new site for SK Buso is also still in process and was approved in the 2024 Budget,” he said.

Henry added that the Bau District Education Office (PPD) and Sarawak State Education Department are striving to further improve educational infrastructure in the district, such as the full replacement project for SK Gumbang, the replacement of SK Atas, SK Segong, and others.

On the full replacement project for SK Suba Buan, he said it has been planned with 18 classrooms and other facilities, located between Kampung Suba Bau and Kampung Suba Buan.

“This would be able to place students from these and surrounding villages to the new SK Suba Buan and reduce overcrowding in schools such as SK St. Stephen.

“I greatly hope that the surrounding community will help increase enrolment at this new school by sending their children to this new facility,” he said.

He added in this way, the Return on Investment (ROI) for educational development projects in the Bau District can be optimised.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was also present to officiate at the opening of Sekolah Kebangsaan Suba Buan’s new building.