KOTA MARUDU: State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib wants immediate action from all parties over the stalled construction of SMK Langkon, which has left 650 secondary students sharing a primary school’s premises for 16 years (pic).
James, who visited the site, said education was a priority that could not be compromised and that the delay demanded urgent attention from all relevant parties.
He said he will bring the issue directly to the attention of the Federal Education Minister to seek an immediate resolution and appropriate follow-up action to ensure the project can be resumed and completed without further delay.
James also called for closer cooperation between the Sabah and Federal governments to find the best solution to the project in the interest of students, teachers and the local community.
“It is regrettable that a school project so important to the local community has yet to be completed after 16 years. The children of Langkon deserve proper educational facilities just like students elsewhere in the State. The 650 students have waited far too long. They should not continue to face the situation of sharing premises to obtain an education that is a basic right for every child,” he said.
He added that his Ministry will continue to monitor developments on the matter and provide full cooperation to all parties involved in efforts to expedite a resolution.
“Every child in Sabah has the right to access educational facilities that are safe, comfortable and of quality. We do not want the younger generation to continue bearing the consequences of a project delay that should have been resolved long ago,” he said.
Present were Kota Marudu District Education Officer Halim Bidin, SMK Langkon Principal Johari Bahatong, and senior officers from the Kota Marudu District Education Office.