PAPAR: More students of SMK Majakir, particularly those living far from the school, now have access to more comfortable accommodation following the completion of a new hostel building that can house up to 300 students.
Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the new hostel, costing RM18.23 million and comprising two blocks and other facilities, was completed on April 30, 2026, increasing the school’s hostel capacity.
He said the new hostel had almost doubled the capacity from 160 students previously to 300, helping to address space constraints that had resulted in some students’ hostel applications being turned down.
He said the handover of the new hostel project from the Sabah Education Department (JPNS) to the Papar District Education Office (PPD Papar) reflected the Government’s commitment to providing access to more comfortable, safe and conducive educational facilities.
“I, together with Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, inspected the project site on Feb 26, 2023, to receive a briefing and see for ourselves the progress of its implementation.
“Having the new hostel blocks is highly significant in addressing the capacity constraints that the school has been facing for many years, while improving hostel facilities for the SMK Majakir community,” he said.
Armizan said this during the handover ceremony for the new hostel blocks at SMK Majakir here, Saturday.
With the completion of the new blocks, he said the hostel was now able to accommodate 300 students and was equipped with more comprehensive facilities, including two warden houses, two OKU (persons with disabilities) dormitory rooms, two common rooms, two isolation rooms, two warden offices and two reception rooms.
Other facilities include two sports courts, a hostel supervisor’s office and a dining hall, as well as other related facilities.
“This increase in capacity not only provides better accommodation for more students, but also helps them continue their education in a safer, more comfortable and conducive environment,” Armizan said.
He said the old SMK Majakir hostel previously accommodated 80 boys and 80 girls, with the building originally serving as a classroom and administrative block before being converted into a hostel.
“The use of a building that was not purpose-built as a hostel had resulted in various constraints involving space, layout, facilities, comfort and the management of residents.
“The space constraints had also resulted in the male hostel warden’s room being converted into a student room, while a classroom was used as a study preparation room. In addition, the boys’ hostel did not have a dedicated sick room,” he said.
Armizan said the old hostel building would now be considered for conversion back to its original function as classrooms, providing the school with additional and more adequate learning spaces.
“It is hoped that the increased capacity and additional facilities will further strengthen students’ welfare and provide a safer, more comfortable and conducive environment.
“Appreciation goes to the Ministry of Education (MOE), JPNS, Public Works Department (JKR), PPD Papar, the project implementation team, consultants and contractors for their contributions towards the successful completion of this project,” he said.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Rural Development and Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin bin Pengiran Tahir Petra, Sabah Education Department Director Datuk Abidin Marjan, Papar District Officer Muhammad bin Mohd Ali and others.
