DUN Sarawak: The old site of Sedaya High School is set to become a skill centre

KUCHING, 15 Oct: The former site of the now derelict National High School (SMK) Datuk Haji Abdul Rahman Yakub (Sedaya) is proposed to be developed as a skill centre to expand access to technical education and skills training for residents in Kanowit and surrounding areas.

Member of the National Assembly (ADUN) Ngemah, Anyi Jana said that establishing a skills centre owned by the Government of Sarawak on the site could reduce student tuition costs, as well as accelerate educational and human capital development in the area.

"The Government of Sarawak's Skills Centre can open a branch on the site by offering skill training at Level 1 to Level 3 Malaysian Skill Certificate (SKM) level.

"The opening of such skills centre will certainly accelerate the development of education and human capital in DUN Nemah area and Kanowit Region as a whole", he said.

He said this while discussing Sarawak Budget 2027 at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

In the same development, Anyi urged the government to pay attention to three primary schools in the Ngemah area that are frequently flooded during heavy rains, namely National School (SK) Nanga Jagau, SK Nanga Nirok and SK Nanga Balingiau.

He said the three schools should be relocated to a more suitable new site to avoid repeated damage and repair costs every time flooding occurs.

"It is better that the cost of aid and recovery of flood-prone schools be channelled to implement educational activities that benefit students more", he said.

At the same time, Anyi recorded appreciation to the Government of Sarawak for the implementation of daif school repair work in the Nemah area, including SK Ulu Bawan involving RM3 million, SK Nanga Pedai (RM6.25 million) and SK Nanga Tada (RM12 million).

He hoped that the development of educational facilities and skills training could be continued in a comprehensive manner to increase access to education as well as open up more opportunities for younger generations in rural areas.