KOTA KINABALU: The Education Ministry assures that schools in Sabah affected by recent floods will receive necessary attention and support, including funding for repairs and improvements to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that the ministry is monitoring the situation and has already allocated funds to address damages at schools previously hit by floods.
"We have provided funding for repair works to restore comfort for our students. For schools currently affected, we are still assessing the extent of the damage and the necessary costs involved," she said after launching Sandakan Vocational College 2 in Sandakan, on Saturday (March 22).
She emphasised that the ministry takes full responsibility for ensuring flood-related issues in schools are addressed with urgency and care.
"We are committed to making sure that every school affected by floods receives the attention it deserves," she added.
On Jan 22, the ministry reported that 93 schools nationwide were forced to close due to flooding, including 23 in Sabah.
Sabah has been hit by floods three times this year, with incidents recorded in mid-January, February, and early March.
The first wave in January affected districts such as Kota Marudu and Pitas. In February, floods displaced over 1,100 residents and inundated 30 villages across Beluran, Paitan, and Telupid.
The most recent incident in early March caused flash floods in parts of Sandakan and Kinabatangan following continuous rain.
These floods not only disrupted daily life but also impacted access to education, especially in rural areas where damaged facilities and impassable roads forced temporary school closures.
Regarding long-term plans, Fadhlina said upgrading school facilities and infrastructure continues to be a priority under the ministry’s development agenda, especially in Sabah, where equitable access to quality education remains a key focus.
