KUCHING: A total of 245 Year One pupils from three primary schools within the Pantai Damai state constituency (DUN) have benefitted from the ‘Back to School Pack 2026’ support initiative.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said this initiative was crucial to ensure that pupils who were just beginning their schooling journey could adapt comfortably, safely and joyfully to the school environment.
He added the initiative aligned with the efforts of the Ministry of Education Malaysia, which introduced the first week of school as a phase of adjustment and adaptation, particularly for Year One pupils.
“The early experience in school greatly influences a pupil’s interest and attendance. If they feel comfortable and supported from the very first day, it will help reduce fear and consequently prevent absenteeism,” he said during the handover event here today.
The programme involved 110 Year One pupils from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Matu Baru, 71 pupils from SK Rampangi and 64 pupils from SK Telaga Air.
Dr Abdul Rahman, who is also Pantai Damai state assemblyman, expressed his appreciation to the schools, teachers, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), local communities and sponsors who worked together to make the programme a success, including providing food and drinks for the pupils.
He added that consistent attendance was crucial to ensure that pupils did not fall behind in their studies while also helping to build self-confidence and a strong academic foundation from an early stage.
“Education is the most valuable asset for our children’s future. It is the shared responsibility of all parties to guide and support them from Year One to Year Six so that they will have the opportunity to further their studies at higher levels,” he said
The event was organised by the Pantai Damai ADUN Service Centre in collaboration with Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Sarawak (SABATI) and Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia, as part of ongoing efforts to support the welfare and educational well-being of children in the area.
