Liew Chin Tong (right), Chan Foong Hin and Wong Kah Woh (left) inspecting the proposed site for the new school hall and field on Pulau Gaya.
KOTA KINABALU (Nov 10): Pulau Gaya will soon have a new education complex following the Federal Government’s approval of a RM260 million allocation to upgrade existing schools on the island.
Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the project will see both Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pulau Gaya and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pulau Gaya fully upgraded and redeveloped into a modern education complex.
He said the new facilities will include 36 classrooms for each school, along with a main hall and sports field to create a safer and more conducive environment for students to learn and grow.
“With these new facilities, students will no longer need to rent or borrow fields in Kota Kinabalu City for school activities,” said Chan, who is also Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities.
Chan added many of the existing school buildings on Pulau Gaya are old and exposed to coastal erosion.
In November 2022, SMK Pulau Gaya was hit by a severe storm that caused part of the roof and several classroom structures to collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the damaged classrooms had already been vacated.
“As the local MP, I wholeheartedly welcome this project. Once completed, the students of Pulau Gaya will have access to safer, more comfortable learning facilities and will no longer face the risks of storm or wave damage,” he said.
Chan expressed his appreciation to Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh for visiting the proposed construction site on Saturday (November 8), accompanied by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong.
He said the project reflects the Federal Government’s strong commitment to improving education facilities in Sabah under the MADANI administration.
“Regardless of whether students live in the city, rural areas or the interior, the MADANI Government is committed to ensuring every Malaysian child has access to safe and quality education,” said Chan.
“This allocation and project demonstrate the Federal Government’s high commitment to education development in Sabah and highlight the importance of close cooperation between the state and federal governments.”
Chan added that the government would continue working to ensure that Sabah students enjoy equal access to facilities and educational opportunities.
“In education, no one should be left behind,” he stressed.
Chan is contesting in the Tanjung Aru constituency under DAP in the November 29 state election.
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