KUALA LUMPUR – Nearly one-third of schools in Sabah continue to operate without reliable electricity, according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
In a written parliamentary reply, Fadhlina revealed that only 912 out of 1,298 schools in the state currently have functional power supply. The matter was raised by Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui, who pressed the ministry on plans to upgrade electricity and wiring systems in Sabah schools, including the possible appointment of Sabah Electricity to carry out a technical study on actual requirements.
Fadhlina said the Education Ministry, together with the Sabah State Education Department and the Public Works Department’s Electrical Engineering Branch, is undertaking a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) of schools aged over 70 years. Findings from the assessment will guide phased funding allocations to address repairs and upgrades.
She added that in 2024, RM54.35 million was earmarked for maintenance works at 1,144 government schools in Sabah, including RM980,000 for 29 schools in Tawau. As of June 2025, allocations had risen to RM101.79 million for 458 schools across the state, covering infrastructure and repair works.
In Tawau alone, schools received RM1.13 million for upgrades such as pump and sewerage systems, piping, termite treatment, roof repairs, and crucial electrical wiring improvements.
