BELURAN: A total of RM8 million has been allocated to build temporary cabin classrooms and hostel facilities for Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Simpangan Paitan, pending the construction of a permanent school at a new site.
State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said the allocation would ensure pupils currently housed at the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Simpangan Paitan compound could continue their education in a more conducive environment.
The Sugut Assemblyman said a new site for the permanent SK Simpangan had been identified, with an application for its construction to be submitted under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
“Regarding SK Simpangan, the KPM has allocated RM8 million for the construction of temporary cabin classrooms and hostel facilities while awaiting a new site for the permanent school.
“For the time being, SK Simpangan is operating at SMK Simpangan, and a new site has also been identified,” he said after visiting SMK Simpangan Paitan, here, on Tuesday.
SK Simpangan was previously relocated to the SMK Simpangan Paitan compound after the school was damaged by floods. A new site at a higher elevation has been identified as a long-term solution.
Meanwhile, James urged the Education Ministry and Sabah Education Department (JPNS) to consider providing temporary cabin accommodation for teachers at SMK Simpangan Paitan who are facing housing difficulties.
He said about 30 teachers did not have suitable accommodation, while a shortage of rental houses in the area had forced some teachers to stay in unused rooms within the school compound.
“About 50 per cent of the more than 60 teachers at this school have had to stay in special rooms within the school building. Therefore, I hope cabin accommodation can be provided for their comfort,” he said.
James also called for a temporary cabin hostel for SMK Simpangan Paitan students pending the completion of permanent facilities, which is expected to take three to four years.
He said accommodation problems and the long distance between students’ homes and the school had affected attendance, with the daily attendance rate currently around 83 per cent.
“The attendance rate has declined because most of the students live far from the school, making it difficult for parents to send their children to school every day,” he said.
SMK Simpangan Paitan Economics teacher Suwandie Kadir said accommodation was among the main challenges faced by teachers in the area.
Suwandie, who is from Pitas and has taught at the school since 2011, said the lack of rental houses and the distance from his home were challenging, but educating students remained his priority.
“The situation in Simpangan is indeed very challenging, particularly in terms of limited facilities and rental accommodation. Most teachers have had to stay in unused special rooms within the school building,” he said.
SMK Simpangan Paitan principal Marzan bin Ayunok said James’ visit brought positive developments to the school, which had faced accommodation and facility issues for a long time.
He said better facilities and accommodation would also help students who faced difficulties attending school due to the distance from their homes.
In a related development, James announced the implementation of the Anjung Kasih Programme, which will provide daily food and drinks to more than 50 underprivileged students at SMK Simpangan Paitan from October 2026.
The pilot programme, funded by the Sabah Government, will be managed by the school’s Welfare Bureau at an estimated cost of RM3,000 to RM5,000 per month before being expanded to other secondary schools in the Beluran parliamentary constituency.
James said the programme would assist students facing financial difficulties, some of whom reportedly attend school without having enough food.
He also announced that two Starlink units and three water filtration machines would be installed at SMK Simpangan to improve internet connectivity and access to clean drinking water.
Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has provided five vans to transport students from nearby villages to SMK Simpangan Paitan. The service has been operating since July 2026.
James said the vans had been stationed at strategic locations to make it easier for students to attend school.
He also advised parents to remain patient while waiting for improved educational and accommodation facilities.
