DARO: SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Normah here will receive a RM31.51 million upgrade to strengthen facilities and expand STEM learning opportunities for students in the area.
Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad said developing highly skilled human capital in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields would not only improve graduates’ employability but also support Sarawak’s aspiration to become a digital and high-technology economy.
“The Sarawak government remains committed to strengthening the education sector through various initiatives, including the provision of comprehensive learning facilities and the implementation of high-impact programmes such as STEM Catalysts to produce competent and competitive future generations,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the STEM Catalysts 2026 Programme at the school’s open hall on Thursday (Apr 16).
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) and the school, aimed to enhance students’ awareness, motivation and interest in STEM-related fields.
According to Safiee, the RM31.51 million project began on Mar 13 and is expected to be completed in two years’ time on Mar 12, 2028.
The project includes the construction of laboratory blocks, classrooms, workshops for the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI), special rooms, a multipurpose hall, field upgrading works, additional parking facilities, as well as the provision of furniture and equipment in line with current standards.
During the same event, he also handed over several completed projects under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) involving key facilities at the school.
These included the upgrading of the school hall costing RM150,000, the upgrading of the surau valued at RM200,000, and repair works on Jalan Susur Gajah costing RM70,000, benefiting both the school community and nearby residents.
He announced an additional RTP allocation of RM100,000 for continuation works on Jalan Susur Gajah to be implemented this year.
In addition, Safiee presented RM36,000 in financial contributions to six Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) of primary schools in mainland Daro, with each association receiving RM6,000.
