Education minister: RM20m boost for rural K9 school in Ranau to curb dropouts
RANAU, June 14 — The government has allocated RM20 million for the construction of a new replacement building block for the Comprehensive School 9 (K9) at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tibabar here, which includes administrative offices, classrooms, a library, teachers' quarters and other facilities.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said that the project is a testament to the Madani Government's commitment to improving access to education, especially in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak, to ensure that the best quality education can be provided for the benefit of students and the local community.
'SK Tibabar, which functions as a K9 School Programme, facilitates access to education for students in this area, while also ensuring that the issue of student dropouts can be addressed,' she said in a statement after officiating the new school building here today.
Sabah Education director Datuk Raisin Saidin was also present at the event.
The K9 School Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Education (MOE) that provides nine years of schooling opportunities at both primary and secondary levels on the same premises, aimed at addressing the issue of student dropouts, especially in rural and challenging geographical areas, with 33 programmes currently operating nationwide, including 15 in Sabah.
Meanwhile, while speaking at the event, Fadhlina emphasised that the K-9 model school allows students to continue their studies from primary school to Form Three at the same location, thereby providing better educational opportunities for the local community.
Therefore, she urged parents to play a role in ensuring that their children do not fall behind in the national education system in line with the government's efforts to provide education to children in the country.
'The government's commitment to providing free education as well as the compulsory primary school education policy needs to be supported by parents' awareness to send their children to school.
'Our children are born not only to gain a good name but with the right to receive a good education. We do not want any obstacles that prevent them from continuing their studies,' she said.
Meanwhile, when met by reporters, Fadhlina said the MOE has fully handed over the investigation to the authorities regarding the incident in Melaka involving a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidate who is believed to be involved in the death of his mother and brother on Thursday (June 12).
She said that her team is now focusing on providing support to another injured victim, in addition to giving the victim's family full space to face this difficult time.
'I just want to take this approach ... we see that there is so much speculation happening right now. I think we need to give the family some time as this is heartbreaking and unexpected by anyone.
'So give the family space to carry out all the processes first, including the investigation by the authorities, and we will monitor the overall welfare of this family from time to time,' she also said.
On Thursday, a 51-year-old female teacher and her 21-year-old eldest son died, while her youngest child was severely injured, believed to have been stabbed at their home in Taman Rambai Mutiara, Bukit Rambai, Melaka. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar pledges RM6m for national sepak takraw academy, hails youth as key to Malaysia's future
KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last night pledged his support for the establishment of a national sepak takraw academy by the end of this year, during the National Youth Day celebrations at Dataran Merdeka. He said Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh had requested RM6 million to develop the academy, and while acknowledging the sizeable amount, he said the government would try to allocate the funds, recognising the sport's potential to grow in popularity. 'Sepak takraw has gained great recognition, not just locally but internationally. Almost every village plays the sport, and it is deeply rooted in our culture. I support the proposal for a national academy and will ensure it becomes a reality,' said Anwar. Despite the steep funding request, he said the project would move forward soon. Anwar also reaffirmed the government's commitment to youth development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting the increasing interest in the field with nearly 500,000 enrolled students and 140,000 new applicants this year alone. With major tech conglomerates such as Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia establishing operations in Malaysia, Anwar said these companies were drawn not only by strong government policies but also by the country's talented youth. 'These companies tell me our economy is stable, but the real reason they are here is because of our youth. Their work ethic and commitment are what attract investments,' he said to rapturous applause. He added that the Madani government is also taking steps to raise wages and ensure fair pay, especially for young workers in government-linked companies. 'We don't just talk — we act. Salary reforms, public responsibility schemes, and job creation efforts are all designed with youth in mind,' he said. In closing, Anwar reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy on corruption and urged young people to stay vigilant against political manipulation and divisive rhetoric. The National Youth Day celebration is taking place at Dataran Merdeka until today.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
PAS rebranded anti-URA rally due to lukewarm support, says PKR man
Sabah PKR leader Razeef Rakimin said the rally is aimed at inciting hatred towards the government because PAS has failed to topple the current administration. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A Sabah PKR leader has mocked PAS Youth for moving its goal post after the wing said it will now demand for the prime minister's resignation at a rally next month. PAS Youth had originally planned to protest the proposed urban renewal law on July 26. 'The decision by PAS Youth to change the theme of their gathering is because the response they got was disappointing as the people understand the need for the Urban Renewal Act,' Razeef Rakimin said in a statement. In February, PAS Youth announced plans to hold a rally to protest against the URA, which is expected to be tabled in July, claiming that it will displace 'minorities'. The wing's deputy chief, Hafez Sabri, said the proposed legislation, which will likely be tabled in June or July, would silence the voice of the minorities, threaten socio-economic stability, and trample on the rights of certain quarters. He said the bill would also pressure urbanites, especially the poorer Malays, to relocate and hand over their land. Earlier today, however, PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden said the wing decided to 'rebrand' the rally, where they will demand for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to step down. Afnan cited several issues linked to Anwar for its decision to rename the rally. Razeef, who is the Tuaran PKR division chief, said he was confident the people would benefit from the various initiatives under Anwar's administration and would not be duped by the opposition to attend a 'pointless' rally. 'The rally is only aimed at inciting hatred towards the government because PAS failed to topple the current administration undemocratically,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Hadi must step aside for PAS to capture Putrajaya, say analysts
PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (third from left) has revitalised the party but seems to have reached a 'plateau' when it comes to attracting Malay voters, according to Azmi Hassan. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Political analysts say Abdul Hadi Awang should step down as PAS president, warning that his continued leadership risks stagnating the party. Azmi Hassan of Akademi Nusantara said Hadi, 77, can take credit for transforming the Islamic party over two decades of his leadership. Azmi Hassan. 'He has revitalised PAS, which has gone on to become the best performing party in the last general election,' Azmi told FMT. However, he said, Hadi has also 'hit the ceiling' when it comes to the party's ambitions at national level. PAS won 43 parliamentary seats at the 15th general election in 2022, and also controls the state governments of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. 'But now PAS seems to have reached a plateau when it comes to attracting Malay voters and has failed to woo non-Malays. Hadi's time is over,' he said. Party needs new leadership Azmi said that while PAS boasts a loyal following in the conservative Malay heartland, it has made little headway among non-Malay voters. To lead the federal government, he said PAS must install a new leadership comprising professionals, and project a broader national image. Like Azmi, Syaza Shukri of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) believes PAS is unlikely to make progress unless a new leadership takes over. Syaza Shukri. However, she does not think the party will name a professional as its next leader. 'Those who take over will still be from the ulama faction. Someone like Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar is not considered 'ulama enough'. 'So there's not going to be much change in terms of rhetoric towards non-Muslims,' she said. On June 7, PAS vice-president Amar Abdullah acknowledged that Malay-Muslim parties have struggled to gain the support of non-Malays. However, Amar said PH's core support has become increasingly critical of the government led by PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim. He said PAS was targeting this group of voters as the party prepares for the next general election. Kartini Aboo Talib. Kartini Aboo Talib of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia says PAS already has capable leaders in its ranks to take over the leadership mantle from Hadi. She named Samsuri, Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin, and Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, as those capable of leading the party to new heights. Hadi, said Kartini, could be appointed as an eminent advisor to the party. James Chin of University of Tasmania said Hadi is unlikely to step down. James Chin. 'He knows he is the glue that holds PAS together,' Chin told FMT. 'The PAS we see today basically mirrors Hadi.' Chin said non-Malay voters will not back PAS even if Hadi is no longer at the helm as other leaders in the party also hold 'extreme views' on race and religion. 'Even if Hadi steps down, nothing much will change unless there is an overhaul,' he said.
