KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly RM15bil has been approved for the construction of new schools to replace ageing ones as the government steps up efforts to bridge gaps in education infrastructure, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, says Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.
The Education Minister said 131 new and replacement school projects, costing a total of RM14.789bil, have been approved from 2023 to 2027.
Of these, she said nine projects were approved in 2023, followed by 26 in 2024, 44 in 2025 and 38 this year, with another 14 approved for 2027.
"Special attention has also been given to Sabah and Sarawak to narrow the gap in educational facilities and ensure more equitable access to quality education," she said when winding up the debate on Budget 2027 for her ministry in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 28).
On school safety, Fadhlina said the ministry was also expanding the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools as part of efforts to tackle bullying and disciplinary problems.
She said RM3mil was allocated in 2025 for CCTV installations at 200 schools, followed by RM5mil for 333 schools this year, while another RM15mil has been set aside for 2027.
"The cameras will be installed in high-risk areas, including blind spots, corridors, storerooms and areas surrounding hostel blocks," she said.
Fadhlina said installation sites would be determined based on technical advice from the Office of the Chief Government Security Officer to ensure a balance between student safety and privacy.
According to her, the ministry has also deployed 300 assistant hostel wardens this year to conduct targeted night patrols, with the number expected to increase to 500 in 2027 following the initiative's effectiveness in preventing bullying incidents.
In addition, she said 560 teachers had undergone training as occupational safety and health coordinators in collaboration with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.
She said the training aims to strengthen physical safety audits in schools, particularly in vulnerable areas such as secluded toilets and poorly lit spaces.
