TEACHERS and schools have a key role in helping students benefit from Sarawak’s free higher education initiative.
State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said educators must guide Form 4 and Form 5 students to select subject packages that aligned with programmes offered under the scheme.
“It is important for students to choose subjects that correspond with what is available through the initiative,” he said during a working visit to SMK Kanowit.
“Otherwise, they may not be able to take advantage of this opportunity,” he added.
During the visit, Dr Annuar was briefed on the infrastructure, academic performance and needs of the school, which had undergone a RM50mil upgrade.
Works included construction of administrative block and academic blocks, workshops, laboratories and two resource rooms.
He expressed satisfaction with the condition of the new building, but noted that some facilities such as laboratories and furniture required upgrading.
“These aspects will be given due attention,” said the Nangka assemblyman.
SMK Kanowit was also commended for its academic performance, with the school showing continuous improvement in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) results over the last five years.
It now records an average grade better than the national level, and over 50 students from the school have qualified for foundation programmes at state government-owned universities.
School representatives also raised the need for a new hostel to replace two existing ones in poor condition.
Dr Annuar said the application would be reviewed, and stressed that upgrading hostel facilities was crucial to ensure continued access to education for students in rural areas.
The visit was part of the ministry’s efforts to assess school needs and support Sarawak’s education sector transformation.
Also present were Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana, Kanowit district education officer Yakub Jai and SMK Kanowit acting principal Andrew Atan.
