LETTERS:Malaysia is facing a pressing challenge: numerous schools across both rural and urban areas have been categorised as "daif" (dilapidated). This troubling situation has far-reaching consequences for students, who are forced to endure broken toilets, stiflingly hot and humid classrooms, and a lack of facilities for sports and extracurricular activities.
Such conditions severely impede their ability to fully realise their potential, hindering their educational experience and future prospects. Leonardo da Vinci once wisely noted, "Learning never exhausts the mind," but how can students thrive intellectually when their learning environments are so dire?
Efforts to renovate these schools are frequently obstructed by procedural hurdles, prolonged completion time frames, and the intricate process of selecting contractors. This bureaucratic red tape exacerbates the already challenging conditions, postponing critical improvements and leaving students in inadequate learning environments for extended periods.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, the Malaysian government has taken decisive action to address it. Since 2016, the Ministry of Education (KPM) has been committed to expediting the renovation of these dilapidated schools across the nation. Their goal is clear: to transform these environments so that students can truly embrace the joy of learning and unlock their full potential.
The Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) has been designated as the principal agency responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of key strategies to tackle the problem of dilapidated schools.
PACU serves as the secretariat to the Majlis Tindakan Malaysia Madani, chaired by the Prime Minister, and the Special Taskforce on Agency Reform (STAR), led by the Chief Secretary to the Government. These entities focus on strategic planning and effective public sector reforms, aligned with the Malaysia MADANI agenda.
In collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), PACU manages strategic and administrative tasks, while MPC handles substantive matters.
In a proactive move, the Pasukan STAR, with PACU and MPC as their secretariat, initiated an intervention to address the issue of dilapidated school buildings. They established the "Inisiatif Pemerkasaan Pelaksanaan Projek Pembangunan Bangunan Sekolah Daif" lab, led by Datuk Dr. Mohd Zabri Yusoff, the Director for INTAN.
This lab brought together relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy, the Public Works Department, Department of Town and Country Planning, the Construction Industry Development Board, the Fire and Rescue Department, the National Water Services Commission and Tenaga Nasional Bhd. Through rigorous analysis of underlying issues and best practices, STAR identified several steps to expedite the renovation process with appropriate governance.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this initiative was the reduction of the renovation process from 9-15 months to a mere 3-6 months. This significant improvement was achieved through a series of strategic measures, including activity planning surveys, soil investigations, and improved procurement procedures.
These measures included pre-qualified open tenders and refined consultation processes. Enhanced protocols for demolishing dilapidated school buildings further streamlined the efforts, ensuring that renovations could proceed without
unnecessary delays.
The establishment of this lab under STAR exemplifies the commitment of the Malaysia Madani government to efficiency and tangible results. It underscores the principles of kesejahteraan (prosperity) and ihsan (compassion), driving the revolution in government service delivery. By focusing on these core values, the government aims to create an environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential.
This initiative not only aims to repair and develop school buildings but also to provide a brighter future for Malaysia's students. By ensuring they have the environment necessary to thrive, the government is making a substantial investment in the country's future. Education is a fundamental pillar of national development, and providing students with safe, conducive learning environments is essential for fostering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and
professionals.
The proactive approach taken by the government through PACU, STAR, and the dedicated lab signifies a robust commitment to educational infrastructure improvement. By addressing the dire conditions of these schools, Malaysia is investing in its most valuable resource – its children.
This effort is a testament to the nation's dedication to progress, equity, and the well-being of all its citizens.
Furthermore, the success of this initiative serves as a model for other sectors in need of reform. It demonstrates the potential for significant improvements when strategic planning, effective governance, and a commitment to core values are combined. The lessons learned from this initiative can be applied to other areas of public service, driving further advancements and ensuring that the benefits of reform are felt across the country.
In conclusion, the renovation and development of dilapidated school buildings is a critical step towards creating a brighter future for Malaysia's students. Through the dedicated efforts of PACU, STAR, and the various government agencies involved, significant progress has been made in addressing this pressing issue. The reduction in renovation time frames, the implementation of improved processes, and the commitment to core values all contribute to a
more efficient and effective approach to educational infrastructure improvement.
By investing in the education and well-being of its students, Malaysia is laying the groundwork for a prosperous and equitable future.
The writer is Executive Director of Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times