DEBAK: A primary school built in the Saribas constituency at a cost of RM10.5 million about two years ago is still not in use, much to the chagrin of assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam.
Expressing his utter disappointment, Razi who is Deputy Minister for Women, Children and Community Well-being Development said the long delay goes against logic.
“In my constituency, there is a school — SK Sebemban — that was completed in early 2023. I was informed that the State Education Department (JPNS) is still applying for e-Procurement to purchase furniture.
“To be honest, I am saddened by this, as the pupils have yet to move into the new school.
“Therefore, I urge JPNS and the Ministry of Education (MoE) to take immediate action,” he said after attending the SK Datuk Bandar Hari Raya gathering today.
As part of a long-term effort to elevate the standard of education here, Razi revealed he has plans to eventually develop SK Datuk Bandar into a large cluster school.
“This effort is currently still at the planning stage, due to cost amendments and redesign… our focus is on upgrading facilities.
“In particular, the old building is proposed to be replaced with a new one for the comfort of the pupils and teachers.
“I truly hope this matter can be discussed positively, giving priority to basic needs within the budget allocated by the ministry,” he said.
As a former educator, Razi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting all schools in his constituency.
“As such, under the Saribas Constituency Service Centre, I allocated around RM1.5 million last year to schools in the constituency, through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants.
“Most of it was used to upgrade basic infrastructure in schools,” he said, adding that there are 17 schools in Saribas.
During the same event, he also presented prizes for the 2025 Hari Raya Archway Decoration Competition in Debak, which was won by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Lalang Hulu, receiving RM3,000.
The runner-up was JKKK Kampung Babu Hilir, winning RM2,000, while third place went to JKKK Kampung Babu Hulu, who received RM1,000.
