Government To Finally Refurbish 6 Rural Schools In Sarawak With Cost-Effective IBS System
The renovation will use the cost-effective Industrialised Building System (IBS).
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 07 Jan 2016, 05:32 PM
The terrible, crumbling state of rural schools in Sarawak has been abuzz in the news of late, with many reporting on how these dangerous schools are still running, just for the sake of the hopeful students
Despite many years of election promises to improve the state of these public schools, much has not been done to make significant improvements that will actually change the sad state of the schools in rural parts of Sarawak.
Sarawak, despite being one of the biggest contributors to the Malaysian economy, has been left with schools that are truly in shambles.
To put things in perspective, imagine schools with unfinished renovation projects and rickety roofs that come crashing down, summing up a dangerous studying environment.
To address this worrying problem, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, yesterday, 6 January, announced that the government will be taking on a special project to refurbish six schools in Sarawak with the Industrialised Building System (IBS)
The six schools are SK Pulau Seduku, SMK Sebuyau, SK Nanga Pua in Selangau; SK Kampung Tanam, SK Kalok Pusa in Betong and SK Abang Man Simunjan, at a cost of about RM2 million for each school.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said the pioneer project using IBS technology to restore Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Dengkil proved it saved time and the pricing was more competitive compared to conventional methods.
"With the success of SJKT Dengkil project, we will extend (restoration of schools) to other places. Following that, six schools in Sarawak have been identified to be restored using the IBS method.
"I hope the success would be seen as the sincerity of the government to improve the country's education infrastructure towards a higher level of achievements in our education system," he told a media conference after observing the results of the restored SJKT Dengkil, in Dengkil today.
malaysiakini.com
Industrialised Building System was introduced in Malaysia to increase cost and time efficiency in the local construction industry
This cost-effective and labour saving method basically works by using prefabricated materials during construction works. The contractors only need to order and purchase the needed items, all pre-made off the site to be assembled during the construction process.
This initiation for renovation came after Najib's sudden visit to SMK Dengkil that was lacking in facilities, with leaky roofs and buildings that were in great need for repairs
On Oct 29, Najib conducted a surprise visit to SJKT Dengkil which has 280 pupils and 24 teachers, to look into the condition of the school and the welfare of pupils and urged the parties concerned to immediately restore the dilapidated school.
After the visit, he directed renovations to be carried out at SJKT Dengkil immediately, including the open drain, wiring system, science laboratory, canteen and resource centre, leaking roof and school parameter fencing.
Today, Najib who was happy and satisfied with the pilot project to upgrade SJKT Dengkil, said it was a special project as the success brought about transformation in such a short period of time.
"In only 40 days, the school has a complete makeover. Now it has a two-storey block while facilities like science laboratory, library, staff room were upgraded and the open drains were closed permanently," he said.
malaysiakini.com
Meanwhile, Education Minister Mahdzir Khalid informed that the refurbishment of the schools will kick off as soon as the contractors are hired
He said the Education Ministry’s officers would be going to the ground to meet and discuss with the headmasters and principals this week.
“There are about 7,000 schools in the country. The cost of repairing old and critically poor condition schools is very high.
“So IBS technology is one of the alternatives to restore schools and it also depends on the location of the schools. Apart from that, IBS is also certified by the Works Department as it assures the safety of students,” he said and added that it also saved cost.
In giving an example, Mahdzir said SJKT Dengkil was repaired using IBS at a cost of RM1.6 million compared to conventional methods that would cost between RM4-5 million.