The Sabah Education Department is evaluating damage at 67 flood-hit schools across six districts, affecting over 5,500 students and 500 teachers, with relocation considered for frequently inundated sites.

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Education Department (JPNS) is currently gathering detailed data on the damage sustained by 67 primary and secondary schools across six districts following recent floods.

Director Datuk Raisin Saidin confirmed the floods, which occurred in phases, impacted 5,530 students, 530 teachers, and more than 220 members of school implementation teams.

“JPNS is currently collecting data on the actual extent of damage caused by the floods in Sabah and expects the process to be completed soon,” he stated after launching a student aid programme at Politeknik Kota Kinabalu.

Raisin explained the data collection must be finalised before a comprehensive report is submitted to the Ministry of Education to seek the necessary allocation for repairs.

He noted that JPNS is currently utilising existing funds to conduct immediate maintenance works while awaiting additional financial support from the federal ministry.

Regarding schools that are frequently affected by floods, Raisin said a proposal for their relocation is being considered as a crucial long-term solution.

He cited Sekolah Kebangsaan Bawang in Beluran as a prime example, confirming that JPNS is taking steps to identify a new, safer site to prevent future disruptions.

 The Sun Malaysia