THE State Government is allocating a large budget to ensure young Sabahans get perfect education, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Among the allocations are RM12 million to help 1,600 schools in Sabah through the Bantuan Ihsan Sekolah Sabah (Bisbah) Programme and RM4 million for the Bantuan Penyelenggaraan Kecil Sekolah (Balkis) which was introduced this year to help repair damage and maintenance involving costs of RM50,000 and below.
To empower Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), RM250,000 was allocated for the STEM Fiesta Programme and the construction of the Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (STI Centre) at Keningau Library costing RM3 million which is expected to be completed this year.
“Under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KSTI), the Government is also planning a high-impact project, namely a Sabah Science Centre in Kota Kinabalu.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more An STI Centre will also be built in Tawau and Sandakan, respectively, costing more than RM10.2 million from Petronas,” he said at the Sabah Education Department’s 2023 School Management Appreciation Ceremony (MAPenS) at Magellan Sutera, Kota Kinabalu, on Aug 17.
The Government through KSTI also provided RM320,000 to set up 16 science corners in primary schools, including a contribution to rehabilitate 14 secondary school science laboratories this year with a total allocation of RM280,000.
“The State Government is also continuing the implementation of several educational assistance programmes such as the Bantuan Tunai Pendaftaran IPT Secara One-Off (Budi), Bantuan Ihsan Komputer (Baik), Bantuan PIBG (Bagus), Bantuan Tunai Peperiksaan (Bakti) and Bantuan Ihsan Sekolah Sabah (Bisbah) which is proven to provide many benefits especially in reducing the financial burden of the poor and B40,” said Hajiji.
He stressed that the State Government is always committed to empowering the development of education and education infrastructure to produce quality human capital.
“This is because, with the best education, we can change the quality of life of the people which ultimately contributes to the success and excellence of the country, especially Sabah.
“It is also in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan which emphasises the development of human capital.”
He said the State Government would continue to work hand in hand with the Federal Government to ensure that the duties, roles and responsibilities in providing education to the people are carried out with full responsibility and dedication.
Hajiji also congratulated all 48 MAPenS award recipients as appreciation and recognition to educators for their excellent service and high commitment, contribution and sacrifice in carrying out their responsibilities as educators, especially in education in Sabah.
He said the commitment and sincere efforts of the recipients in delivering trust with excellence deserve to be admired and used as an example to all.
“I hope all educators continue to achieve success and demonstrate a high-performance work culture, continue to be steadfast and enthusiastic in carrying out their daily tasks to produce educated people who can compete on the global stage.
“This is important and should be emphasised because today’s world demands human capital with a strong spirit in going through the world without borders.
Therefore, we want to produce human capital that can play a role as excellent citizens and be together with the Government to build our nation,” he stressed.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
