KUALA LUMPUR: June 30, 2024 – Fourteen schools in the Keningau parliamentary constituency have been approved for replacement and additional building projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), following an oral question raised in the Dewan Rakyat on 24 June by Keningau MP Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan.
Dr Jeffrey had raised the issue of more than 500 dilapidated schools in Sabah and called on the Ministry of Education to provide a comprehensive action plan, including a clear timeline for completion.
In its response, the ministry confirmed that repairs and redevelopment of dilapidated schools in Sabah would be carried out in phases, with priority given to buildings in the most critical category – Scale 7.
“Quality education begins with safe and conducive infrastructure for all Sabahan children,” Dr Jeffrey said, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the welfare of pupils, teachers and school communities.
According to the ministry, 152 schools across Sabah have so far been approved for replacement and additional building projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan, of which 14 are in the Keningau constituency.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) Rolling Plan 1 for 2026, the government has also approved replacement and additional building projects for 11 schools in Sabah, along with special allocations for the rebuilding of Scale 7 dilapidated structures at 15 schools.
The issue of dilapidated schools remains one of the key educational challenges in Sabah, particularly in rural and interior areas. Efforts to secure better and safer education for the younger generation will continue to be a priority, ensuring that children in Sabah’s interior enjoy educational facilities on a par with those in other parts of the country.
