Why are dilapidated school building upgrades lagging?

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Dilapidated School Building Upgrades Lagging Due to Low Application Rates and Implementation Delays

The upgrading and redevelopment of dilapidated school buildings are not progressing as expected, with a significant number of identified schools failing to apply for projects and a low completion rate for approved works. Between 2019 and 2022, only 31.9% of the 386 approved projects were fully completed, leaving many students learning in unsafe or non-conducive environments. The Ministry of Education (MOE) allocated RM1.026 billion for these projects during the same period.
Low Application Submission Rate Hinders Project Initiation

A primary reason for the lag is the insufficient number of schools submitting applications. Out of 1,505 schools identified with dilapidated buildings, a mere 411 submitted redevelopment applications to the Ministry of Economy. This low submission rate suggests potential barriers or a lack of awareness among schools regarding the application process or the urgency of their building conditions. Consequently, many schools with identified issues have not even entered the project pipeline for potential redevelopment.
Implementation Delays Plague Approved Projects

Even for projects that received approval, the completion rate has been unsatisfactory. By the end of 2022, only 123 out of 386 approved projects, representing 31.9%, had their upgrading works fully completed. The Auditor-General's report indicates that some of these projects were still in the implementation phase, while others had not commenced at all. This lack of progress means that teaching and learning activities continue in spaces confirmed as unsafe by the Public Works Department (JKR).
Inadequate Temporary Placements Compound Safety Concerns

The continuation of learning activities in unsafe spaces is exacerbated by the inadequacy of temporary placements. When schools are unable to proceed with immediate redevelopment, temporary solutions are often implemented. However, these temporary placements have also been found to be non-conducive for students. This situation highlights a dual challenge: the failure to upgrade permanent structures and the ineffectiveness of interim measures to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Recommendations for Improved Project Execution

To address these shortcomings, the Auditor-General's report proposes several recommendations for the MOE. These include encouraging more schools to submit applications, ensuring the prompt completion of upgrades, and closely monitoring project implementation to adhere to specified timelines. Furthermore, the report advises the MOE to develop student relocation plans and implement regular maintenance schedules to ensure the ongoing safety and suitability of school buildings for educational purposes.

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Why are dilapidated school building upgrades lagging?

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