SIBU, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS-sponsored Asrama Harian Luar Bandar project at SK Orang Kaya Muda Pakeri, Paloh, near here is expected to be completed this August to provide access to education for communities in rural Sarawak.
 
As at February 15, 53 per cent of the project is completed,  including the piling, stump, column, sub-structure works and roof truss while the brick walls and roof covering works for the overall building, are currently in progress.
 
PETRONAS is collaborating with the Sarawak State Government and State Education Department to implement the project.
 
PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Group Human Resource Management Dato’ Raiha Azni Abdul Rahman visited the project site at Kampung Paloh yesterday, which is accessible only by boat from Sibu and Tanjung Manis.
 
Upon arrival, Dato’ Raiha was received by Tanjung Manis District Officer Udin Bujang, community leaders as well as Sarawak State Education Department officials.
 
“Providing access to education is one of the most important strategic interventions that PETRONAS has done and this Asrama Harian Luar Bandar project will provide opportunity for Malaysians, in particular Sarawakian children in Paloh, to pursue education in a conducive learning environment,’’ she said.
 
Dato’ Raiha added that PETRONAS has allocated RM420 million to education and human capital development in Sarawak from 2014-2019 alone, under the Sarawak Government-PETRONAS Joint Working Committee initiative.
 
The projects implemented under this initiative include Asrama Harian Luar Bandar in Paloh, five Trust Schools, sponsorship of 244 students at three Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) schools in Sarawak, Vocational Institution Sponsorship & Technical Assistance (VISTA) at selected vocational institutions as well as the proposed construction of a new MRSM in Bintulu.
 
The existing hostels at Paloh, built in 1985, and dilapidated and infested by termites, can only cater to about 56 students.  The new hostels – one for male students and another for female students – can accommodate up to 120 students.
 
The project was awarded to a Sarawak construction company EPR (Kuching) Sdn Bhd in February 2018. The hostels will be equipped with facilities such as administration office, dining hall, sick bays for male and female students, two warden rooms, showers, toilets, washing areas, kitchen, kitchen store and surau.
 
SK Orang Kaya Muda Pakeri, Paloh, was built in 1958, on a swampy land along a river. At present, the school has 121 students and 16 teachers. The school is attended by students from three neighbouring villages – Kampung Paloh, Kampung Kedang and Kampung Berangan – which have a total population of about 1,000 people who are mostly farmers and fishemen.
 
Issued by:
Media Engagement Department
PETRONAS Sarawak
 
Source: PETRONAS
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Johannes Ridu        
Tel: 019-2612832      
Email: johannes_ridu@petronas.com
 
--BERNAMA