KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Education Department should take immediate steps to facilitate all necessary assistance to restore schools affected by the recent floods in Sabah’s northern Pitas and Paitan in the Beluran district.
Sabah’s Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said that SK Bawang K9, a primary school in Tangkarason needs immediate repairs after being severely damaged by the recent floods.
James, who visited the school, said that 90 per cent of facilities and equipment were destroyed, including classrooms, teaching materials, laptops, and water tanks.
“The school urgently requires 200 sets of desks and chairs, 30 sets for teachers, and five sets for administration, alongside new whiteboards, Smart TVs, and replacement textbooks,” he said.
The floods damaged classrooms and teaching facilities and swept away 10 water storage tanks, leaving the school without essential infrastructure.
Authorities are now working to mobilise resources to ensure that students can resume lessons as quickly as possible.
James said that swift intervention is critical to safeguard students’ access to education.
“This situation requires immediate and coordinated action. The Sabah State Education Department must channel assistance without delay so that recovery and asset replacement can begin at once,” he said.
He urged all District Education Offices to promptly report similar incidents to the ministry to ensure a rapid response and avoid disruption to learning.
“The continuity of education for Sabah’s children is our shared responsibility and must always remain the highest priority,” Dr James added.
Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin said a total of 54 schools, including two secondary schools, are located in Pitas, Paitan (under the Beluran district), and Sipitang.
He said the affected areas involved 5,730 students and 629 teacher,s with most of the affected schools being in Beluran.
