BINTULU – The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) has reinforced its commitment to improving rural education through a major facility upgrade at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Kuala Annau in Tatau.
The project, recently handed over to the Sarawak Education Department, includes the construction of new dormitories for boys and girls, complete with toilet facilities, alongside an administration block and a pump house to strengthen the school’s water supply system. These additions are designed to provide a safer and more conducive environment for both students and teachers.
The initiative forms part of a wider programme by the Sarawak Government to modernise educational infrastructure across the state. Earlier this year, JKR Sarawak completed eight school projects, including SK Kuala Annau, SK Tabuan Jaya, and SMK Luar Bandar Miri, reflecting a consistent push to ensure rural schools are not left behind in development efforts.
At the handover ceremony held on 22 February, Sarawak Education Director Omar Mahli emphasised the importance of these upgrades in bridging the gap between rural and urban education. He noted that SK Kuala Annau was among several schools in the Bintulu division receiving redevelopment, alongside SK Rumah Keseng, SK Sungai Segian Labang, and SK Ulu Kakus.
The improvements are expected to enhance student welfare, strengthen school management, and support Sarawak’s long-term education agenda. By providing modern facilities, the government aims to create an inclusive learning environment that supports academic growth and community resilience.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the state has also invested in rural electricity grid connections, enabling schools to adopt digital learning tools. According to Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, such projects represent not only infrastructure progress but also an investment in the future of Sarawak’s children.
Community leaders have welcomed the upgrades, highlighting that improved facilities will encourage higher enrolment and reduce dropout rates in rural areas. Parents in Tatau expressed optimism that the new dormitories will ease the burden on families living far from the school, allowing children to stay closer to their studies.
The SK Kuala Annau project stands as a symbol of Sarawak’s broader vision for equitable education. By prioritising rural schools, the government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of location, has access to quality learning opportunities.
