SOOK: Minister Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup launched the Sekolah Angkat Madani and Kampung Angkat Madani programmes at SMK Tulid, here, last Thursday.
He stressed that education and human capital development remain his top priorities as a representative of the interior constituency.
He reaffirmed his commitment to improving school facilities and creating a more conducive learning environment through ongoing upgrades at SK Ambual, SK Inandung, SK Simbuan, SK Rancangan Belia Tiulon, SMK Trusmadi and SMK Dalit.
Two schools in Sook – SMK Tulid and SK Lanas – were selected as Sekolah Angkat Madani under Yayasan Hasanah.
Since the programme’s launch in June 2025, the foundation has allocated over RM100,000 to assist the schools in enhancing educational quality through infrastructure repairs, SPM tuition classes, teacher professional training, student character development and improved learning tools such as smart projectors and library materials.
“With better support such as additional classes, transportation and improved facilities, I believe our students’ academic performance will continue to rise,” he said.
On community development, Arthur highlighted ongoing rural economic empowerment projects, including the construction of the Sapulut–Pagalungan-Pensiangan Road extending to the Kalimantan border and the Sinaron-Linayukan Road – both expected to improve safety, attract tourism and stimulate local economic growth.
He also shared progress on key agricultural initiatives such as the Nabawan Coffee Factory, paddy field restoration in Kampung Tulid, Kindasan, Pauh and Alab Lanas, the MD-2 pineapple project in Sinua and Chinese yam cultivation in Mukim Dalit.
Arthur further welcomed Yayasan Hasanah’s decision to designate Kampung Pinipi as Kampung Angkat Madani, a programme designed to strengthen community leadership, expand job opportunities, introduce modern farming and promote inclusive rural growth.
“This initiative reflects the strong partnership between the Government and private sector in driving sustainable and holistic development for rural communities,” he said, expressing gratitude to all government agencies, educators, community leaders and volunteers for their collaboration.
The ceremony ended with the official launch of the Sekolah Angkat Madani programme for SMK Tulid and SK Lanas, as well as the Kampung Santuni Madani initiative in Kampung Pinipi, Sook.
Arthur expressed hope that these initiatives will serve as catalysts for educational, economic and social progress in Sook and the wider interior of Sabah.
