SK Nanga Bangkit goes green with new hybrid solar power system

KAPIT (Jan 24): SK Nanga Bangkit in Katibas near here has received a hybrid solar power system, part of the rural schools package under Sarawak’s green energy initiative.

The handing-over ceremony was officiated by Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who highlighted the government’s commitment to providing basic amenities, including reliable electricity, to all citizens — whether in urban centres or remote interior areas.

Three contractors have been appointed to handle the system’s maintenance until the end of next year.

Nanta, in his remarks, said the Madani Government remained committed to ensuring that basic amenities, particularly electricity supply, would benefit all the people regardless in the urban or the remote interior areas.

The Kapit MP also said during his tenure as the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, the ministry had implemented a programme known as the ‘Price Standardisation and Community Drumming’, where the government bore the transportation costs of petrol and diesel meant for delivery to the remote areas.

“The distribution of subsidised diesel to the rural and interior schools is meant for use of the fuel-powered generators there. This has been in use since 2010.

“But now, technological advancements have provided alternative energy sources that are more environment-friendly, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable.

“The government now places strong emphasis on energy reliability,” he said.

Nanta added that the implementation of electricity supply via the hybrid solar energy system began in 2020, and had since been carried out in phases, involving 121 schools.

The programme was divided into nine packages, based on locality and district location in Sarawak.

“This initiative supports the Education Ministry (MoE) in bridging the educational gaps arising from geographical and socio-economic factors between the urban and interior areas.

“It aligns with the ministry’s vision of ensuring equitable access to quality education, enabling students in the remote areas to also enjoy equal opportunities to reach their full potential.”

Nanta said the development of these green-technology facilities would bring benefits to more than 3,000 students and 2,000 teachers in remote schools across Sarawak.