KOTA BHARU, July 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an additional allocation of RM1.4 billion for the repair of dilapidated schools in the country this year.
The allocation includes RM185.37 million for Kelantan, Terengganu (RM78.93 million) and Pahang (RM64.15 million).
“This allocation is not because we are having (state) elections, but because it is necessary,” he said.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said this in response to a question from a teacher at the Cakna Madani programme with Education Ministry officers, earlier today.
The programme, held at the Health Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian here, was attended by about 1,500 education officers from Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
Also present was Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The Prime Minister added that as many as 50,000 laptops have been approved for schools and other institutions of learning under the Ministry of Education, and are expected to be available in October this year.
“There is a slight delay in the procurement of the computers as it involved tender. Normally, the tender process takes up to six months. If there is no tender, there will be problems.
“If the cases are urgent and for big projects, I will consult the Ministry of Finance to be flexible, to follow the limited tender process and expedite (the matter) it so that it can be done within only three months,” he said.
Anwar also announced a RM4.4 million allocation for Kelantan, RM2.2 million for Terengganu, and RM2.9 million for Pahang, to empower the digitalisation programme in educational institutions in the respective states.
— Bernama
