TAWAU: After years of studying in rundown facilities, students of SMK Wallace Bay on Pulau Sebatik here finally have a reason to smile – two brand-new double-storey blocks, complete with 12 classrooms, an administration block and a surau are now ready for use.
The new buildings were launched by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (pic) during her two-day working visit to the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency, as part of the parliamentary follow-up action programme, which began on Thursday.
SMK Wallace Bay is one of 230 schools out of 390 identified as dilapidated in Sabah that have already been rebuilt, said Fadhlina.
She said the redevelopment of the school reflects the government’s serious commitment to providing a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students and teachers in rural areas.
For SMK Wallace Bay principal Jumaan Mahmud, the new school buildings are more than just upgraded infrastructure – they represent renewed hope and ambition for the younger generation on Pulau Sebatik.
“This transformation shows the government’s dedication to rural communities, especially here in Sebatik. SMK Wallace Bay has a long history, having first opened on Feb 4, 1974,” he said, Bernama reported.
He also thanked the ministry for recognising the unique challenges faced by students on the island, including difficulties in commuting 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.
The hostel is expected to make a significant difference for students from remote villages such as Kampung Sungai Tongkang and Mentadak, many of whom face long and difficult journeys to attend school due to the island’s terrain and limited transport options.
During the 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, also located on Pulau Sebatik, and Kampung Serudung Laut, Kalabakan, accompanied by ministry officials and Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy.
On another matter, Fadhlina said a special initiative, ProKhas, has been launched in Kampung Serudung Laut, to provide children in the remote village access to education.
“The ministry identified a group of children here who lack formal education. After discussions with parents and the local community, we assured them the issue would be addressed.
“Through ProKhas, classrooms and teaching staff will be provided, along with essential schooling support,” she said.
Meanwhile, village chief Ronny Akai shared that the informal class has been operating for about a month in the village church, under the Social Welfare Department’s early childhood development programme.
Ronny expressed hope that the children in the village would be able to receive better education locally, saying that only education could ensure a brighter future.
Access to Kampung Serudung Laut requires a sea journey of up to three hours or a four-hour drive from Tawau, depending on conditions.
