Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Government has approved an allocation of RM260 million to upgrade schools in Pulau Gaya into a new integrated education complex.
Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the project will involve a complete redevelopment of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pulau Gaya and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pulau Gaya, each to be equipped with 36 new classrooms, a main hall and sports facilities.
He said the new complex would provide students with a safer and more conducive environment for learning, without needing to rent or borrow sports fields in Kota Kinabalu for school activities.
“Most of the existing school buildings on Pulau Gaya have long been exposed to wave erosion. In November 2022, a strong storm caused part of SMK Pulau Gaya’s old roof and structure to collapse.
Fortunately, the affected classrooms had already been vacated and no injuries were reported,” Chan said in a statement. He welcomed the project, saying it would significantly improve safety and education quality for students on the island.
“When completed, students will enjoy modern learning facilities and a safer environment, without the recurring risk of storm or wave damage,” he added.
Chan also thanked Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, who announced the allocation and visited the proposed construction site on Pulau Gaya last Saturday (Nov 8), accompanied by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong.
He said the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to improving education infrastructure in Sabah and ensuring equitable access to quality education nationwide.
“The Madani Government remains committed to ensuring that students in Sabah enjoy the same quality facilities and educational opportunities as those in other parts of the country — because in education, no one should be left behind,” he said.
