Abdul Rahman (fourth left) with Ahmad (second left), Imban (second right) and others during the working visit to SMKSP Limbang.

LIMBANG: The state government is allocating RM160 million under the Northern Regional Development Authority (NRDA) to upgrade schools in Limbang Division in 2019 – 2020.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the amount is part of the RM1.5 billion allocation for implementation of NRDA projects which was tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg in the Sarawak Budget 2019.

“Limbang and Lawas Districts will each receive RM80 million to upgrade schools in their respective areas.

“The allocation is a continuing commitment by the state government to help improve the infrastructure in schools in the state although the education sector is under the purview of the federal government,” he said during a working visit to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Patiambun (SMKSP) Limbang yesterday.

Also present were a representative from the Limbang District Office Hamidah Halpi, Principal of SMKSP Ahmad Melan and the president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association Imban Geruna.

The Bukit Kota assemblyman reiterated that the government is fully aware that there are still many dilapidated schools in the state which are in dire needs of being upgraded.

He said in Limbang among the facilities needing urgent upgrading were dormitories and teachers quarters.

Dr Abdul Rahman added that part of the annual allocations of RM5 million from the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and RM2 million Minor Rural Project (MRP) would also be channelled to assist schools and improve their infrastructures.

On the SMKSP Limbang, he said RM1 million has been spent on the construction of the school’s hall and parking lots implemented under the RTP and the People’s Friendly Programme (PMR), were completed last year.

The hall can accommodate 1,000 students during the school’s assembly or for examination centre.

In addition to SMKSP, Dr Rahman also visited SK Limpaki, SK Bandar and SK Batu Empat.