Manyin (left) officially opening SK Siniawan’s new administrative block. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: The state government will consider using Industrialised Building System (IBS) for school infrastructure projects in rural areas.
Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong said the IBS approach is cheaper and faster compared to conventional building methods.
He said the state needs to find alternative measures to replace 1,020 dilapidated schools and 415 critically dilapidated schools across Sarawak.
With Putrajaya already allocating RM1bil (meant for two years) to replace the critically dilapidated schools, the state is in need of an additional RM3bil for rectification work on the others.
“The main focus now is the critically dilapidated schools. We know that conventional building would take longer to complete and would be more costly especially labour costs.
“The IBS approach however, takes less time and is more cost effective as materials are fabricated in the factory.
“We will consider using IBS for school projects in rural districts accessible by road,” he told reporters after opening SK Siniawan’s new administrative block.
IBS might not be suitable for schools without road access due to logistics issues.
The minister said the government is also considering centralised schools to replace low enrolment institutions in rural and interior areas.
Manyin said all new primary schools must be equipped with laboratories to improve pupils’ performance in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
He said that a study by his ministry found that pupils lose interest in STEM at a young age due to insufficient school facilities and lack of specialised teachers.
“We need to improve the condition of our schools. A better learning environment will definitely improve morale and motivate students. Repairing and upgrading schooling facilities are top priority to raise the standard of education and performance of students.
“Centralised schools would also help us overcome the lack of specialist teachers in rural schools.”
