Perak: A total of 29 cabin and open multipurpose hall projects in Perak, valued at RM34.2 million, are expected to be completed by December to address student overcrowding in schools next year following an increase in Standard One enrolment. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said of the total, 25 projects are under construction, while four are in the planning stage.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these projects are under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). The cabin-style schools and open multipurpose halls will help accommodate an increasing number of Standard One students following the policy change to six years old as the entry age, which requires additional classrooms. "We need to deliver quickly, with completion targeted by December. Most projects utilise the Modular Precast System (MPS), involving modular, cabin-style school structures that are fully equipped, durable and of high quality," he said in a press conference after inspecting a preschool building project at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Seri Samudera here today.
He also assured that the quality and safety of the cabin and open hall projects nationwide would not be compromised despite the accelerated construction timeline. Ahmad said the early completion of projects depends on effective project and financial management, citing China's ability to complete a 10-storey building which is also earthquake-resistant in 28 hours and 45 minutes. "With current technology, buildings can be completed ahead of schedule without compromising quality and safety," he said.
On his visit today, Ahmad said the preschool project had been completed with two classrooms, a dining area, food preparation room, switch room, utility room, teachers' and students' toilets, ablution area, covered walkway and playground, for RM2.29 million, 53 days ahead of schedule. "We hope to see more projects completed ahead of time, which is now a priority for the Public Works Department (JKR), as we do not want delays. Projects completed ahead of schedule benefit three parties, contractors through reduced costs, the government by avoiding additional claims due to extension of time (EOT), and the public by gaining earlier access to facilities," he said.
Meanwhile, he said JKR projects involving the Ministry of Education under the 12MP in Perak include seven projects worth RM54.5 million to upgrade dilapidated schools, and 10 projects valued at RM40.17 million to build additional classrooms, open multipurpose halls, and preschool buildings. Earlier, Ahmad visited several sites around Manjung with officials from the Works Ministry (KKR) and the Manjung district JKR to monitor development projects and assess service delivery to the local community.
As of July 2026, RM8.14 million has been allocated for the maintenance of federal roads in Manjung, including road repairs, drainage systems, repainting of road markings, and bridge repairs. The FT71/17/300 bridge replacement project in Manjung, valued at RM8.04 million, is also underway. In addition, the Federal Government has approved two projects under Rolling Plan 1 of 13MP: the replacement of the FT60/42/50 Sungai Beruas bridge worth RM32.2 million, and preliminary works for the Tanjung Malim-Lumut Highway upgrading project valued at RM5 million.
KKR also announced that eight Federal building projects worth RM32.3 million are being implemented, including the construction of an additional block at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Seri Manjung and a Special Education Programme (PPKI) block at SMK Ambrose. Other ongoing projects implemented by Manjung JKR include the construction of additional Standard One classrooms for the 2027 intake under the Cakna MADANI programme, involving six classrooms each at SK Seri Manjung and SK Seri Samudera, and three classrooms at SK Nakhoda Muhammad Taib.
A further RM1.2 million has been allocated for two Federal building maintenance projects, the upgrading of the Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office at the Attorney General's Chambers, and apron upgrading and drain repairs due to soil subsidence at Sri Manjung Hospital.