TUARAN: Some students from SMK Tamparuli will be relocated to temporary rented cabins due to significant structural damage to several school buildings.
Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said that an inspection by the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) in July revealed severe damage to Block B, Block C, the girls' and boys' dormitories, the Pre-U Block, and the RBT Workshop Block, rendering them unsafe for use.
"This was further confirmed when the school sustained major damage during a windstorm on Sept 18, which tore parts of the roof off," he said during a Special Chambers Session of the Dewan Rakyat today.
In response, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said that the Sabah State Education Department (JPN) had requested to rent 16 cabins to accommodate the affected students.
"The request will be forwarded to the Finance Ministry for approval, in accordance with Treasury Circular PB3.1. Additionally, the ministry has identified the Teachers' Activity Centre (PKG) at the Tuaran District Education Office (PPD) as a temporary location for 256 Form Six students," he added.
Wong also said that the ministry allocated RM190,000 in disaster relief funds to JPN Sabah on Sept 25 to address the roof damage at SMK Tamparuli.
"Repairs are already underway and are expected to be completed this year," he said.
He also said that under the Rolling Plan 4 of the 2024 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), the ministry had approved the construction of a Special Integrated Education Programme (PPKI) block.
This project will include five classrooms, two skill workshops, and other facilities in accordance with standard guidelines.
"The approval and implementation of this project are subject to the central agency and the government's current financial priorities and position," he added.