Roland Sagah says 680 Sarawak schools unsafe, calls for urgent upgrades

A school classified as unsafe for occupancy is a building judged unsuitable for normal use because its condition may threaten students, teachers, and other users. In practice, this means repairs, rebuilding, or major safety work may be needed before the building can reliably support lessons. The article links the classification to urgent infrastructure needs.

Sarawak places these schools in Scale 6 and Scale 7. The minister explains that both categories indicate a need for substantial investment in upgrading and improvement works. The article does not describe the precise technical differences between the two scales, so it would be inaccurate to assign separate meanings to them.

The classification shows that the challenge is larger than isolated repairs. Sarawak has 680 schools in these unsafe categories. That figure points to a broad infrastructure programme, requiring funding, project planning, construction, and continued attention to whether school facilities are safe and usable.

Sarawak has 680 schools classified as unsafe for occupancy. They fall under Scale 6 and Scale 7, categories that require substantial investment in upgrading and improvement works. This is the central measure of the state’s infrastructure challenge.

The RM1 billion advance payment allocation covers 140 dilapidated-school projects. Of these, 86 have been completed. The remaining 54 are at various stages of implementation. These figures show both progress and the amount of work still active under that allocation.

A separate programme, Projek Rakyat, includes 12 identified projects. Six have been completed, while six are under implementation or at the pre-construction stage. Together, the figures show that projects are moving forward through more than one funding and delivery stream, while many schools still require attention.

If unsafe school buildings remain in use, students and teachers may face avoidable safety risks from damaged or unstable facilities. A building that cannot safely accommodate people can also undermine confidence in schooling. The immediate concern is protecting people while maintaining a place for learning.

Unsafe conditions can interrupt classes when rooms must close, be cordoned off, or undergo emergency repairs. Schools may need to move lessons elsewhere, reduce available space, or change schedules. These disruptions can make attendance and teaching harder, especially when replacement facilities are limited.

Communities may then experience weaker access to public education and greater pressure on families. The article records 680 unsafe schools, so delayed action could affect many communities across Sarawak. Completing the 54 remaining advance-allocation projects and progressing other works would help address the problem, though the article does not specify the exact consequences at individual schools.

School upgrading can involve both levels of government because the work requires large sums, state-level coordination, and project delivery. The federal government controls the national allocations mentioned in the article. Sarawak’s minister highlights how those funds should support schools within the state.

The RM1 billion advance payment allocation has supported 140 dilapidated-school projects, with 86 completed and 54 still progressing. Projek Rakyat adds 12 identified projects, half completed. These programmes show how funding streams and local implementation work together rather than relying on one source.

The federal Budget 2027 allocation provides RM1.3 billion to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools nationwide, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. Sagah hopes a substantial share will reach Sarawak. The state government’s role is therefore important for presenting needs and pressing for local infrastructure improvements, while federal funding provides national financial support.

The RM1 billion advance payment allocation is an existing funding arrangement for dilapidated-school projects in Sarawak. Under it, 86 projects have been completed and 54 are at different implementation stages. Its figures describe progress within that specific allocation.

Projek Rakyat is a separate project grouping. It contains 12 identified projects, with six completed and six either under implementation or at the pre-construction stage. The article does not state its total funding amount, so its financial scale cannot be compared directly with the RM1 billion allocation.

The RM1.3 billion Budget 2027 allocation is broader. It is for upgrading 682 dilapidated schools nationwide, with particular attention to Sabah and Sarawak. It is therefore a national budget provision, while the first two references describe project groupings or programmes discussed in relation to Sarawak. A substantial share for Sarawak is hoped for.

Schools generally need a safe replacement setting while unsafe buildings are repaired or rebuilt. Possible options include temporary classrooms, nearby schools or community facilities, and moving classes into unaffected parts of the campus. The priority is to keep students and staff away from unsafe areas.

School leaders may also stagger timetables, share classrooms, or use shifts when space is limited. Where suitable technology and support exist, some lessons can be delivered remotely for a limited period. These measures work by reducing crowding and preserving teaching time while construction continues.

The article does not state which alternatives Sarawak schools are using. It records 54 advance-allocation projects at various stages and six Projek Rakyat projects still underway or awaiting construction. That makes transition planning important, especially for schools where buildings cannot be occupied during the work. Any temporary arrangement should remain safe and maintain access to learning.

Safe infrastructure allows public schools to provide lessons without exposing students and teachers to building hazards. It supports regular attendance, effective teaching, and confidence among families. Without usable classrooms and facilities, education can be interrupted even when teachers and students are ready to learn.

Sarawak’s scale makes the issue especially important. The article identifies 680 schools as unsafe for occupancy, while projects are spread across several programmes. The RM1 billion advance allocation has completed 86 projects and left 54 at various stages. Projek Rakyat has completed six of 12 projects.

The current figures show that safe education depends on sustained investment, not one-off repairs. Budget 2027 allocates RM1.3 billion nationally for 682 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. If a substantial share reaches Sarawak, it could support further upgrading, improve facilities, and help more communities maintain dependable public education.