KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 2026 – Deputy Minister of Education Datuk Wong Kah Woh has defended the Madani Government’s commitment to education infrastructure, responding to viral criticism over the conditions at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Balaban Jaya in Beluran, Sabah.
In a detailed statement, Wong addressed a widely circulated WhatsApp message titled “Anwar, Our Kids Study Under Tents – But You’re Rebuilding Gaza with Our Money,” which accused Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PMX) of prioritising international aid over local schools.
“The criticism is uncalled for,” Wong said, noting that PMX immediately expressed concern upon learning of the issue and directed the Ministry of Education (KPM) and the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) to take swift action.
Long-term Plans Already in Motion
Wong stressed that the government’s attention to SK Balaban Jaya predates the recent outcry. Under the Rolling Plan 4 and 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), the Madani Government had already approved major funding for school upgrades in the area.
In 2024, RM62 million was allocated for the reconstruction of SMK Balaban Jaya. For SK Balaban Jaya itself, RM52 million has been approved for 2025 under Rolling Plan 5.
The project scope includes the construction of six classrooms, an administration block, special rooms, four teachers’ quarters, and full school facilities. The school currently has 154 pupils in six primary classes and two preschool classes. The existing building is old and dilapidated.
The project is now in the pre-construction phase. The Public Works Department (JKR) has completed soil investigation tests, with the tender process to follow shortly.
Safety First: Immediate Measures Taken
Cracks were detected in the school building on 22 December 2025, prompting serious safety concerns. Student safety is the top priority for KPM.
As a result, lessons shifted to home-based learning (PdPR) in the second week of the 2026 school session. Following stakeholder consultations, five classes have been temporarily relocated to Masjid Al-Amin Kg Balaban Jaya and three classes to Dewan Komuniti Balaban Jaya to enable face-to-face learning while awaiting a permanent solution.
Parents had earlier rejected a proposal to use SK Pekan Beluran due to distance concerns.
Short- and Medium-term Solutions
- Medium-term option: Pupils will be temporarily hosted at SK Sungai Nangka. KPM has allocated RM2.25 million for upgrading and refurbishment works to provide nine physical classrooms. Tenders are scheduled to open in May 2026, and the project will be expedited.
- Short-term option: JPN Sabah and the Beluran District Education Office (PPD) are conducting engagement sessions with parents to explore temporary placement at SK Pekan Beluran, including solutions for student transportation.
Wong emphasised that KPM does not deny shortcomings in temporary measures and continues to listen to feedback from parents and the community while implementing ongoing interventions.
“Kerajaan Madani prihatin. KPM mendengar pandangan semua termasuk ibu bapa dan masyarakat. Keselamatan murid-murid adalah keutamaan KPM,” he said.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed that the Madani Government is committed to ensuring quality education access for all children.
“Malaysia Madani, Rakyat Disantuni!” he concluded.
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