Termite-damaged and declared unsafe by JKR — yet SMK Dalat's girls' hostel continues to house students, prompting an urgent call from Minister Fatimah Abdullah.
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DALAT: The girls' hostel at SMK Dalat has been declared unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR), but students are still living there due to a lack of alternative accommodation.
Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman, raised the issue during a visit to the school on Monday.
"The first thing is safety. What we are concerned about is the safety of our students," she said.
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The nearly 48-year-old school comprises several ageing wooden structures, with termite infestation weakening parts of the buildings. The girls' hostel — located next to one of the old school blocks — remains occupied despite JKR's safety assessment.
Fatimah noted that while the hostel is clean and well maintained by its occupants, visible signs of deterioration, including termite-damaged window frames, underscore the need for immediate action.
The hostel was reportedly not included in the approved scope of renovation works for the school.
Location: SMK Dalat, Dalat, Sarawak
Details: Girls' hostel declared unsafe by JKR but still in use; Minister calls for urgent action; 48-year-old school with termite damage; renovation project did not cover hostel
Source: The Borneo Post
What do you think? Should student safety be prioritised faster?
