Keningau: The newly completed Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Trus Madi, situated approximately 120 kilometres from Keningau town, is scheduled to commence operations in January next year. Ministry of Education (MOE) deputy secretary-general (Planning and Development) Datuk Wan Hashim Wan Rahim confirmed that the RM51 million project, located in Kampung Sinua and spanning 10.117 hectares, received its Certificate of Practical Completion on November 19.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project was implemented by the MOE Development Branch, Development Division for the Sabah and Labuan Zone (Zone 7) and was approved for construction in 2014. Construction began in 2017, and the design of the school is anticipated to positively impact both students and teachers. Wan Hashim shared these details during the SMK Trus Madi Building Handover Ceremony, which was also attended by Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin.
SMK Trus Madi boasts modern facilities, including an administration block, classroom block, laboratory block, multipurpose hall, canteen, dormitories for male and female students with capacities of 200 each, teacher quarters, a football field, a surau, and a complete utility system. Wan Hashim noted that the school will indirectly benefit 832 students from six nearby primary schools, providing a seamless transition for 116 Year 6 students advancing to secondary education.
He emphasized that the school's spacious and comfortable facilities would enhance teaching effectiveness and provide students with a conducive learning environment, reflecting the government's investment in the nation's educational future. He highlighted that the contract value of the SMK Trus Madi development stands at RM38,094,669, although the total project cost exceeds RM51 million, showcasing the government's dedication to quality education access.
In addition, Wan Hashim reported on the progress of 389 dilapidated school reconstruction projects across Sabah, with 236 completed, 64 under construction, and 89 in the pre-construction phase. The ministry aims to complete all projects within one to two years, noting that 776 schools in Sabah, with buildings over 50 years old and classified at scale 7, require special attention.