Sarawak warns 680 schools deemed unsafe, needs immediate remedial work

KUCHING — Sarawak has identified 680 schools across the state that fail to meet safety standards for occupancy, raising serious concerns about the wellbeing of students and educators in substandard facilities.

The disclosure highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges facing the education sector in the state, with officials warning that immediate remedial measures are necessary to address deteriorating building conditions and structural deficiencies.

The unsafe designations encompass schools of varying sizes and locations throughout Sarawak, from urban centres to remote rural areas. The issues identified range from structural damage and inadequate maintenance to facilities that pose potential hazards to occupants.

Authorities have signalled their commitment to upgrading affected institutions, though specific timelines and budget allocations remain to be outlined. The findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive facility assessments and strategic investment in educational infrastructure across the state.

Education stakeholders have called on the Sarawak state government to prioritize the renovation and rehabilitation of unsafe schools, stressing that students deserve to learn in secure environments conducive to academic achievement.