KAPIT – Schools in Baleh that are frequently affected by flooding have been identified as requiring urgent repairs to ensure the safety and academic progress of students.
Assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai has called on the Kapit Divisional Education Office to prioritise remedial works, particularly at Sempili Primary School and Sungai Kain Primary School, which have been repeatedly disrupted by floodwaters.
He made the appeal during the Baleh Secondary School (SMK) Achievement Appreciation Ceremony on Wednesday.
Nicholas stressed that rural schools must be given equal attention as their urban counterparts. “I ask the Kapit Divisional Education Office to solve the problem of flooded schools especially Sempili Primary School and Sungai Kain Primary School,” he said, adding that he would continue to support infrastructure development at SMK Baleh, the only secondary school in the constituency.
Flooding has been a recurring issue in Sarawak, with the Ministry of Education confirming that 22 primary schools and two secondary schools in the state were affected by floods in September 2025. Emergency assistance was channelled to impacted institutions, but long-term solutions remain critical.
Nicholas highlighted that strong backing for rural schools is essential to provide students with a conducive learning environment.
He encouraged students in Baleh to pursue their studies at SMK Baleh, noting that despite its remote location, the school continues to deliver quality education.
The assemblyman also pointed out that the Sarawak Government has been committed to strengthening the education sector, offering various forms of assistance to students who continue their studies.
This aligns with broader state initiatives, including the RM1 billion school rehabilitation scheme, which has already improved facilities in many rural schools.
Infrastructure challenges in Sarawak’s interior remain significant. A recent study highlighted that rural infrastructure planning often faces logistical difficulties, limited resources, and ageing facilities.
These issues have left many schools vulnerable to environmental hazards such as flooding, further widening the gap between rural and urban education standards.
Nicholas’s call reflects growing concern among community leaders that without immediate intervention, students in Baleh and other rural districts risk falling behind.
Observers believe that repairing flood-prone schools will not only safeguard pupils but also strengthen confidence in rural education, ensuring that children in remote areas are not disadvantaged.
