RM18.23mil hostel complex boosts SMK Majakir capacity to 300 students

 By Olivia Miwil

September 26, 2026 @ 5:31pm

Armizan Ali (third left) during the handing over of SMK Majakir new hostel. COURTESY: DATUK ARMIZAN ALI

PAPAR: A new RM18.23 million hostel complex at SMK Majakir here has been completed, increasing the school's accommodation capacity from 160 to 300 students.

Papar member of parliament Datuk Armizan Ali said the project, completed on April 30, was handed over by the Sabah Education Department (JPNS) to the Papar District Education Office (PPD) today.

He said the project was particularly important for students living far from the school who depended on hostel accommodation as daily commuting was difficult.

"The old hostel could only accommodate 160 students, comprising 80 boys and 80 girls.

"However, the building was originally designed as classrooms and administrative facilities before being converted into a hostel to meet students' accommodation needs," he said in a statement today.

The new complex comprises two two-storey hostel blocks, warden houses, dormitories for students with disabilities, common rooms, isolation rooms, warden offices and reception rooms.

It also includes two sports courts, a hostel supervisor's office and a dining hall that can accommodate up to 300 people.

Armizan said the old hostel would be considered for conversion back into classrooms, providing the school with additional learning space.