PAITAN: After years of recurring floods that repeatedly disrupted classes and put students at risk, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Simpangan is finally being moved to higher ground – a decisive intervention by the State Government to safeguard rural education.
The new site, located on Koperasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) land in Kampung Simpangan, was chosen specifically for its safety and elevation. The current school, which sits on low-lying terrain near a river, was completely destroyed by a major flood earlier this year – a tipping point that accelerated relocation plans.
State Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk James Ratib, confirmed the move during a visit to the temporary construction site at the Pekan Tamu Mingguan area. He explained that the Village Development and Security Committee had proposed the KPD site, and it was quickly approved after safety assessments.
“SK Simpangan has always been flood-prone. The new location is on higher ground near Kampung Simpangan, away from the river. This is not just a repair – it’s a permanent solution,” said James.
In a strategic twist, the minister also proposed repurposing the old, flood-ravaged school in Pekan Paitan into a new institution – SK Pekan Paitan – ensuring that no public asset is wasted.
The relocation proposal will now go through land gazettement and submission to the Department of Lands and Surveys, before being tabled under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) for funding approval.
While waiting for the new school to be built, students will not be left idle. Partitions will be installed at the open hall of SMK Simpangan to create a conducive temporary learning environment.
“This interim step is critical to keep education on track,” James added.
During the same visit, the Minister received briefings from the Sabah Education Department on broader education development in the region. The relocation is widely seen as a proactive, welfare-first move by the State Government – prioritising student safety while upgrading rural school infrastructure across Sabah. – James Leong
James visits SK Simpangan, Paitan recently.
