MOE To Ensure New School Projects Unaffected By Global Energy Crisis - Dep Sec-gen

KUALA NERUS, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) will ensure that all new school construction projects nationwide are not affected, despite facing challenges, including rising construction material costs, due to the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia.

MOE’s deputy secretary-general (Planning and Development) Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim said a total of 38 new school projects have been approved this year, under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), nationwide.

“We are aware of the current challenges, with global issues putting pressure on the country’s economic situation, but with proper planning, insya-Allah, we will ensure that all these projects can be implemented as soon as possible,” he said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the handover ceremony of the completed project for a new 30-classroom school block and other facilities, at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tok Jembal, here, today.

Wan Hashim said the government will take proactive measures to ensure that the global economic crisis does not affect the continuity of school construction and maintenance works.

Commenting on SMK Tok Jembal, Wan Hashim said that the school, which was built at a cost of approximately RM40 million over a period of 36 months, is scheduled to begin operations in July.

As a start, a total of 481 students from four nearby schools in the Kuala Nerus area will be relocated to the new school, to reduce overcrowding at their original schools.

“Insya-Allah, we will be able to ease the burden on these four schools, while students will be able to enjoy a more conducive and comfortable learning environment.

“The construction of this school includes 30 classrooms, which can accommodate approximately 1,000 students, along with other facilities, such as a multipurpose hall, toilets, a surau, and others. It complies with the prescribed standards,” he said.

-- BERNAMA