SPAOH: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has called on rural parents to enrol their children in boarding schools as it provides numerous benefits for the students.
He said boarding schools offer an environment conducive to studying and instil discipline in students.
“Boarding schools provide the best studying atmosphere and discipline training. In contrast, children who stay in longhouses face too many distractions and excessive freedom.
“The worst is they can become obsessively occupied with their handphones to neglect their studies,” he said.
He said this at the Malaysian Liquefied Natural Gas (MLNG) education outreach programme held at SK Paku Sentral here today (Nov 30).
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, added that 20 per cent of parents in his constituency still do not enrol their children as school boarders.
“This is a cause for concern for us all. It is critical for students to have the discipline to take up their studies seriously in order to produce excellent results.
“This can be achieved through the constant guidance and monitoring by teachers at boarding schools,” he added.
Uggah emphasised that consistent academic performance could open doors to tertiary education, which in turn would lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and brighter futures for the students.
Uggah described it as a meaningful contribution by the private sector to rural education development.
Under the programme, MLNG has spent RM800,000 to upgrade the school hall, which is now fully air-conditioned, and to provide smart boards for every classroom, among other improvements.
“I hope these better facilities will encourage parents who are still hesitant to send their children to boarding schools,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uggah suggested that MLNG could also consider extending its support to Nanga Tiga Mission School, which is currently being assisted by the Unit For Other Religions (UNIFOR) for facility upgrades.
At the event, Uggah announced a grant of RM10,000 for the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and RM8,000 for the school to purchase additional chairs and a public address system.
Present at the function were Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu and MLNG Group of Companies CEO Mohamad Syazwan Abdullah.
