TAWAU: The Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, suggested that the rental terms for buildings or premises used by Nursery and Kindergartens in the state be updated.
He believes that if the terms are changed accordingly, there will be more nurseries to be built in Sabah and have better infrastructure facilities than at present.
“We understand that federal agencies cannot own or buy land arbitrarily in Sabah but at the same time we need more nurseries to meet the needs of the people.
“If there are terms or laws that can be implemented in a win-win situation between the State and Federal governments in this matter, I think it will be easier for us to improve the infrastructure in early childhood education institutions such as Tabika/Taska Kemas,” he said on Tuesday.
According to him, the change in terms is necessary considering the Kalabakan Parliament is one of the areas in Sabah with many students, namely 1,068 people and 68 teaching staff.
“We hope that infrastructure improvements will always be implemented in the existing premises to provide comfort to the children because the conducive learning atmosphere will definitely affect their performance,” he said.
He said a new Kindergarten/Taska Kemas should be built in the People’s Housing Project (PPR) Gudang Empat here but it had not been able to implement due to some constraints, while the population needs the facility.
“I hope the issue will be studied through discussions between the State and Federal governments for the benefit of children and parents.
On the event, Andi Muhammad said the programme is the best platform to unearth and develop the talent and self-confidence of young children in various fields of competition, including speech, storytelling, bilal cilik, junior ustazah and dance.
The winner of each event will represent the Kalabakan Parliament at the state and national level competitions.
“This event gives parents the opportunity to see their children’s development in addition to strengthening the relationship with the teaching staff because we believe that good relationships and educational ecosystem will shape the development of students,” he said.
— Lagatah Toyos