MP lauds move to accelerate repair of Sarawak schools, clinics

Ahmad Johnie says 28 schools in Igan are in need of repairs.

SARAWAK’s move to fast-track the repairs of dilapidated schools and clinics using state funds before being reimbursed by the Federal Government is a good idea, says Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi.

He said many schools had urgent needs which had to be addressed.

“The state government’s move to prioritise construction of schools and clinics is a good idea.

“The issue of dilapidated schools and clinics can be addressed as soon as possible without having to wait for allocations from the Federal Government, which has other prioritised projects to look into,” he told reporters at the Igan district open house for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Ahmad Johnie said there were 28 schools in the Igan constituency in Sibu which were in poor shape and in need of repairs.

“Some of these schools have been earmarked for reconstruction or renovation,” he added.

There were dilapidated clinics in the Batang Lassa and Passin areas which, Ahmad Johnie said he had highlighted in Parliament for action to be taken by Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, he said Sarawak government had invested funds for infrastructure development and co-curricular activities to provide a more conducive environment for students, and education must remain a priority for Sarawak to become a high-income state by 2030.

At the event, he allocated RM28,000 for Persatuan Anak Jati Kampung Igan.

On April 11, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said a mechanism was being worked out for the Federal Government to reimburse Sarawak for developing federal projects in the state.

This, he said, would speed up implementation of urgently needed work, particularly those involving dilapidated clinics and schools.

Abang Johari said this agreement had been reached at an administrative level between himself and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.