KUCHING: The Sarawak government has allocated RM3 million for the construction of a dedicated block for the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) for Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Matang Jaya.
The cheque was handed over by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong to the school’s Parent-Teacher Association chairman Iskandar Sharkawi at Bangunan Baitulmakmur on Monday (May 24).
Manyin said the new facility will specifically cater for students with special needs such as those with Down syndrome, autism as well as learning difficulties.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved RM3 million for this facility to be build.
“This (the fund) should have come from the federal government, but we may have to wait. So, we are thankful that the allocation has been approved by the chief minister and we hope that the construction will begin this year,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iskandar believes that the construction of the building can be completed within 12 months.
He said the PPKI is currently being carried out at the present classroom block in the school, but found not suitable for 130 students under the programme.
“Some of the students are visually impaired, and some are using wheelchairs. There are various challenges that they are facing including the need of teaching assistance,” he said.
He revealed that the block will only be two-storey high, with an administration office on the top floor and 12 classrooms on the ground flood.
He also said that he will discuss with Petra Jaya MP Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof on ways to expedite the construction.
Also present during the presentation of the cheque were Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research permanent secretary Kameri Affandi and State Education Department director Dr Norisah Suhaili.
