KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government Teachers’ Union (KGKS) enthusiastically endorses the significant increase in funding for the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools.
as well as maintenance of all school types, rising from RM1 billion to RM2 billion as announced through the 2027 budget.
KGKS President Murkam Hj Hussien emphasised that school rehabilitation initiatives are absolutely essential, particularly for Sabah.
He explained that by the end of 2025, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) had identified 968 schools with deteriorating infrastructure across the state.
“KGKS firmly believes that with this additional funding allocation, we can accelerate the implementation of rehabilitation and maintenance efforts for structurally compromised schools in Sabah, while simultaneously creating a conducive learning environment.
“In this regard, KGKS fully supports the Madani government’s commendable efforts, especially those of KPM, to address the critical issue of deteriorating school facilities,” he said in a statement today.
Murkam further outlined several compelling reasons why accelerating these rehabilitation projects is imperative.
He noted that this includes safeguarding the wellbeing of both students and educators, as numerous ageing school buildings throughout Sabah have been classified by the Public Works Department (JKR) as unsafe and unsuitable for occupancy.
Additionally, Murkam highlighted that rehabilitated schools contribute significantly to establishing a conducive learning and teaching environment (PdP).
He also pointed out the urgent necessity to restore schools damaged by flood disasters.
“Sabah consistently faces challenges with schools affected by flooding and natural disasters that devastate existing infrastructure. Therefore, restoration efforts are critically necessary,” he added.
