MIRI: Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee has proposed the establishment of a dedicated dormitory for Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Long Atip, a primary school in Sarawak classified as a low-enrolment school.
The Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) said the school, which accommodates only 21 pupils, currently relies on a boarding facility managed by the Long Atip Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).
Speaking at a charity dinner here last night (Dec 14), Dr Annuar announced plans to present the case for establishing a hostel to the Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
“The JKKK Long Atip currently bears the financial burden of maintaining the boarding house, collecting RM4,000 to RM5,000 monthly. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister of Education,” he said.
Of the school’s 21 pupils, seven are day students, while the remaining 14 board at the facility.
SK Long Atip, staffed by five teachers, is among 839 low-enrolment primary schools (SKM) in Sarawak, which are defined as having fewer than 150 pupils.
The charity event, organised by JKKK Long Atip, sought to raise funds to support the existing boarding house.
During the event, Dr Annuar pledged RM10,000 to the fund, with an additional RM5,000 contributed by an anonymous donor.
“I hope this contribution will help ease the financial burden of JKKK Long Atip,” Dr Annuar said.
“Education is our long-term investment. That is why we are committed to supporting the students at SK Long Atip,” he added.
He also revealed plans to visit SK Long Atip, potentially before Ramadan 2025, to assess the needs of the students and explore additional support measures.
The event was attended by Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, who voiced his support for the initiative, expressing hope that it would alleviate the challenges faced by the school and its pupils.
