HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office consented to visit two secondary schools yesterday that have undergone several construction projects under the 10th National Development Plan (RKN10).

His Royal Highness first visit was to the Kampong Sungai Akar Secondary School construction project. Upon his arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Dato Paduka Dr Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) and Dr Haji Junaidi bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Core Education), at the Ministry of Education (MoE).

His Royal Highness proceeded to a project briefing facilitated by Hajah Maihani binti Haji Abdul Hamid, Director of Technical Services at the Public Works Department.

Shortly after the briefing, His Royal Highness consented to sign a plaque followed by a group photo session at the school’s grounds.

According to Hajah Maihani, a sum of $22 million has been allocated for the project which is in line with the long-term plan of the MoE to provide more schools in the country.

With a projected increase in the student population within the area, the new school could help realise the ministry’s objective in alleviating the conditions of dual school sessions (morning and afternoon) within the catchment areas so that the schools can get by with only a single session.

The project is part of efforts to provide adequate, conducive and quality educational infrastructure as targeted in the country’s NDP.

Construction of the new school com-menced on December 6, 2011, and is expected to be completed on June 30.

Among the facilities of the new school are an administration block, classrooms, multi-purpose hall, canteen block, parking lots, grandstand, track and field, students’ pick-up and drop-off areas, entry and exit routes, a fully-fenced compound, security post and network infrastructure.

His Royal Highness also consented to visit the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien building expansion project site.

His Royal Highness was greeted by Dr Haji Junaidi as well as Datin Dr Hajah Asmah binti Haji Morni, Acting Director-General of Education, and Haji Ismail bin Haji Zainal, Principal of Maktab Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College.

Haji Omarali bin Haji Muhammad Jaafar, Director of Estate Planning & Management at the MoE in his briefing said that the total cost of the project is approximately $11 million.

He added that construction commenced on October 3, 2012, and after a construction period of 17 months, the four-storey structure was completed on March 4.

During the visit, His Royal Highness made a short tour of the facility accompanied by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

As the tour was taking place, students from Year 7 to Year 12 had the opportunity to meet and greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. - Borneo Bulletin (27 May 2014)