KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) welcomes the proposal to merge schools with low pupil enrolment, saying it is a “good move”.
However, there are several matters that need to be looked into seriously before any merger is implemented, said its president Macky Joseph (pic).
He said first and foremost, the authorities, namely the Education Ministry and the Education Department, must get parents to agree to any proposed merger.
“The effort to merge schools with low pupil enrolment is good, however, the stakeholders also play an important role and as such, their views should be respected,” Macky said in a statement.
He also said these schools must be equipped with the necessary teaching and learning
facilities and they must be located not too far away from those schools that are being closed.
He said STU also wanted the authorities to ensure safety aspects are looked into.
“Pupil’s safety must not be compromised,” he said,
adding, “The pupils involved have every right to receive the best education.”
Macky further said STU also wanted to see an efficient transportation system included in the merger plan.
State Education, Science, Technology Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting said 236 schools with low students/pupils enrolment will be merged to become 49 centralised schools.
Manyin urged parents of the affected pupils to support the proposal.
