Pulau Sebatik: After years of studying in rundown facilities, students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Wallace Bay on Pulau Sebatik have reason to smile as two brand-new double-storey blocks, complete with 12 classrooms, an administration block, and a surau, are now ready for use.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the new buildings were officially launched by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek during her two-day working visit to the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency as part of the Parliamentary Follow-Up Action Programme. Fadhlina emphasized the government's commitment to providing a conducive learning environment for students and teachers in rural areas.
Fadhlina stated that the redevelopment of SMK Wallace Bay reflects the government's serious commitment to expanding access to quality education. 'The MADANI government is committed to expanding access to quality education. That's why we go into the interior - to ensure our children receive equal opportunities, comfort, and fairness in their education,' she remarked.
Earlier, Fadhlina highlighted that out of 390 dilapidated schools in Sabah, 230 have already been rebuilt. For SMK Wallace Bay principal Jumaan Mahmud, the new school buildings represent renewed hope and ambition for the younger generation on Pulau Sebatik.
Jumaan expressed that the transformation shows the government's dedication to rural communities, particularly in Sebatik. He noted that SMK Wallace Bay first opened on February 4, 1974, and the redevelopment was part of the Ministry of Education's initiative under the 11th Malaysia Plan in 2020. The completed project was officially handed over by the Public Works Department on March 27 this year.
Jumaan also acknowledged the challenges faced by students on the island, such as commuting difficulties and the risk of school dropouts due to geographical barriers. To address these issues, the government has approved the construction of a new school hostel under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with capacity for 200 students. Construction began last year.
The hostel is expected to significantly affect students from remote villages like Kampung Sungai Tongkang and Mentadak, who face long and arduous journeys to attend school due to the island's terrain and limited transport options. SMK Wallace Bay currently has more than 300 students.
During her visit, Fadhlina also announced an additional allocation of RM200,000 to upgrade essential facilities at SMK Wallace Bay, including the science lab and canteen. She also visited SMK Mentadak Baru, located on Pulau Sebatik, and Kampung Serudung Laut, Kalabakan, accompanied by MOE officials and Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy.