SEBUYAU: School leavers in Sebuyau, particularly those who have completed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), should be given the opportunity to further their studies at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said rural students, including those from SMK Sebuyau, also possess the potential and talent to succeed, even if their school environment may not be ideal.
“I sincerely appeal to PETRONAS to consider giving special attention to these SPM school leavers, and provide them with the opportunity to pursue higher education at UTP in the near future.
“Such opportunities would allow them to study in an environment equipped with the same facilities as their peers elsewhere, giving them a fair chance to excel.
“I believe these students can succeed. They have what it takes to prove themselves capable of achieving excellent results,” he said at a press conference after officiating the ‘PETRONAS Powering Knowledge: MLNG Bestari Outreach’ Programme at SMK Sebuyau today.
Julaihi added that with such access to education, Sarawak could eventually produce local engineers who would work with PETRONAS, the government, or other oil and gas companies in the state, including PETROS.
“I hope PETRONAS will respond positively and extend these educational opportunities to our rural youths,” he added.
On the contribution by PETRONAS through its subsidiary, MLNG Sdn Bhd, Julaihi expressed his gratitude for the support extended to SMK Sebuyau, especially in upgrading the school’s existing facilities.
“We all know that SMK Sebuyau is one of the more dilapidated schools in the area and urgently needs a full replacement.
“I’ve been informed that a tender has just been awarded to build a new school at the new site in Bandar Baru Sebuyau.
“Given this situation, I warmly welcome PETRONAS MLNG’s involvement in contributing and improving the school facilities,” he said.
Julaihi noted that while he had previously provided canopies for the school’s use, it is still inadequate to accommodate the growing student population.
“We have also channelled aid through the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) to build a new community hall.
“That is why PETRONAS MLNG’s presence and support are very timely and truly appreciated, especially with the student population at SMK Sebuyau now reaching 936.
“That’s already the maximum number the school can take – otherwise, the number would likely be even higher.
“I am genuinely grateful for PETRONAS’ assistance to SMK Sebuyau,” he said.
