Easier access and better schools in Sabah's interior Read more: Easier access and better schools in Sabah's interior


19 January 2013| last updated at 11:44PM

By OLIVIA MIWIL | news@nst.com.my 

CONCRETE BUILDINGS: New SK Buayan and SK Terian now accessible by 4-wheel drives

PENAMPANG: DEPUTY Education Minister Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi underwent a  21/2-hour bumpy journey to revisit SK Buayan and SK Terian here on Thursday.
He described the infrastructure development as better compared with his first visit two years ago.
"In 2011, I had to walk on trails for hours, stayed overnight in SK Buayan and travelled on foot again the next morning to SK Terian," he said at SK Buayan.
"But today, although the new route is just a muddy road, both schools are now accessible via four-wheel-drive vehicles."
Puad was also pleased to see the completion of a concrete school building with four classrooms, two single-storey quarters for teachers, and a school canteen.
"Previously, SK Buayan pupils had to study in a slanted wooden school with pillars at the bottom to support the structure.
"We hope that these new facilities, costing RM1.6 million, will motivate teachers to continue providing their best while pupils have a conducive learning environment," he said, adding that a dormitory in the school compound would be built soon to overcome absenteeism.
Since the school began in 1967, pupils have problems attending classes because some have to walk at least an hour from their houses.
On rainy days, they have to stay home due to rivers overflowing and flooding.
"Therefore, the best solution is to make them stay at school."
He also said the ministry would ensure the 1BestariNet towers were installed in the interior areas of Sabah and Sarawak by March.
The project aims to provide high speed Internet access and will be used as an education platform for students.
"We hope parents will be supportive in the government's initiatives to help people eradicate poverty through education."
Kampung Buayan has about 400 villagers, mostly farmers who earn about RM100 per month.
During his visit to the schools, Puad distributed the RM100 schooling aid to 77 schoolchildren.

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SK Buayan pupils greeting Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi during his visit to the school in Penampang, Sabah, on Thursday. Pic by Malai Rosmah Tuah

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