The delayed construction project of SJKT Sungai Bakap in Penang is expected to be fully completed by the fourth quarter of 2027, Education Minister YB Fadhlina Sidek announced.
The project which has faced delays since 2015, is now moving forward after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved a ceiling cost of RM12,667,367.59. Yayasan Didik Negara has been appointed as the implementing agency.
YB Fadlina said the project will include a new replacement school block with 6 classrooms, a general office, special rooms and other facilities on land owned by the Federal Land Commissioner.
She added that the project tender was advertised on 14th June 2026, while the Letter of Acceptance (SST) is expected to be issued in the 3rd week of August 2026. She said this when she responded to a question from Senator Dr. A. Lingeshwaran in the Dewan Negara on the latest status of the project, the reasons for the delays, and the government’s efforts to complete it.
Delays Caused by Funding and Legal Issues
YB Fadhlina explained why the project was delayed for more than a decade. It was due to several issues, including implementation problems, financial constraints and legal disputes.
She said the School Governing Board received one-off federal allocation of RM3.5 Million in 2015, but the project could not be completed within the planned timeline. As a result, the project was abandoned, causing financial claims between the parties involved and court cases, including one filed against the Ministry of Education (MOE).
However, YB Fadhlina said the Sessions Court dismissed the case against MOE in May 2026.
MOE Open to Reviewing School Relocation Guidelines
YB Fadhlina also said MOE is prepared to review the Guideline for Changing School Location to help with the issues faced by schools with low student enrolment, especially Tamil schools.
According to her, discussions with the community are just as important as the guidelines themselves to ensure school relocation plans are successful.
“These SJKT issues involve the community, which is why engagement sessions are very important. Apart from the guidelines, our approach must also include engagement with the community,” she said.
Not just SJKT schools, she also responded to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Anna Bell @Suzieana Perian on abandoned school projects in Sabah, including SMK Langkon in Kota Maradu and Sekolah Menengah Sains Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, YB Fadlina said she would provide a written reply as the matter involved detailed information. She also assured that MOE will continue to give serious attention to school infrastructure issues in Sabah.
Sources: Malay Mail
