SARAWAK has spent RM2.7 billion since 2020 to strengthen the state’s education system, Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said.

He said RM2 billion was spent to upgrade infrastructure while RM700 million was spent for educational purposes.

“Sometimes, the federal government allocation for school infrastructure repairs is delayed, so we use our funds to cover the expenses.

“This is an important investment because we are nurturing our own talent and workforce for the future,” he said in his speech when officiating the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) Bintulu, built by Petronas, in Bintulu today.

MRSM Bintulu, costing RM122 million, will be operational in March 2024, thus providing opportunities for 450 students in Sarawak to receive quality education and fostering interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem).

Meanwhile, in a related development, Abang Johari said every school should have a complete laboratory for practical Stem lessons and not just theory.

On September 23, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government would build laboratories in every district to strengthen Stem education for youths in the state. – Bernama, November 1, 2023.