KOTA KINABALU: The Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KPSTI) will begin upgrading dilapidated schools in the state in the near term, starting with lower-cost repairs to speed up delivery, said its minister Datuk James Ratib (
pic).
He said more than 300 dilapidated schools have been identified statewide, with priority given this year to Scale 6 schools costing RM1 million and below, as larger Scale 7 projects require longer procedures and higher allocations.
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James said works on Scale 6 schools would focus first on quicker upgrades and phased maintenance where damage is not extensive, to ensure basic facilities are safe and conducive for students and teachers.
Speaking after the KPSTI 2026 ministerial address here, he said discussions with the Education Ministry would be held soon to finalise the number of schools to be upgraded, stressing close federal–state cooperation based on his earlier experience upgrading 100 dilapidated health clinics within two years.
In a related matter, James said he would raise concerns with Putrajaya over what he described as an imbalance in grade scales within the Sabah Education Department, proposing an upgrade for deputy directors to better reflect their responsibilities.
