SMK Samalaju expected to be completed by Jan 2025, says deputy minister

BINTULU (Sept 2): The construction of SMK Samalaju, estimated to cost RM57.6 million, is expected to be completed by January next year, said Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi.

He said the new secondary school, located at Mile 31 of the Bintulu-Miri Road, will greatly benefit the local community, particularly students along the Pan Borneo Highway, Bintulu-Miri Road, Bintulu-Bakun Road, Bintulu-Nyalau Coastal Road, Samalaju Industrial Park and palm oil plantation sector.

The Samalaju assemblyman also urged the contractor to maintain their diligent efforts in ensuring the project stays on track and is completed as planned.

He said this would allow the first batch of students to be enrolled in the second quarter of 2025.

“Cooperation between the contractor, government agencies and local community is crucial in ensuring the smooth completion of the final construction phases,” he said during a working visit to the site today.

Majang said most students are expected to be day students due to the excellent road network connecting residential areas to the school.

“To accommodate students living further away, the school will also provide boarding facilities with two dormitory blocks capable of housing 450 students.

“This would help reduce the boarding student population in other schools within the Bintulu division,” he added.

He said the school would be equipped with the essential infrastructure, including a surau, dining hall, multipurpose hall, football field and other amenities.