(Miri, 26th) — After being delayed for five years as a 'sick project', SMK Tudan, through the proactive follow-up of Sarawak Minister of Transport and Senadin State Assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, has finally resumed construction. The project is expected to be completed in March 2026 and officially operational in June of the same year, bringing long-awaited new hope to students and parents in northern Miri.
Lee Kim Shin stated in an interview after inspecting the construction site yesterday afternoon that SMK Tudan was originally scheduled to start construction in 2015, but due to contractor issues and building structural safety problems, construction was completely halted. Although some school buildings were completed, they could not be put to use, forcing students to be temporarily placed in neighboring schools. This not only affected the quality of learning but also resulted in severe overcrowding at SMK Merbau, SMK Pujut, and SMK Riam.
"This school is like it was 'sick', and everyone has waited five years. Now we finally see hope. I have repeatedly reported to the Ministry of Education and the Public Works Department, and now at last it is being 'treated' and gradually recovering."
He said that on March 22 this year, the Ministry of Education reappointed a new contractor from Kuching to take over the project, with a total contract value of 11,478,250 ringgit. The project is currently progressing smoothly; as of June 15th, the actual completion progress has reached 4.6%, slightly higher than the projected 4.33%. The project is expected to be fully completed by March 27, 2026.
After completion, SMK Tudan will have 35 classrooms, each accommodating 36 students, with a total capacity of 1,260 people. It is expected that after opening, it will effectively ease enrollment pressure at SMK Merbau, SMK Pujut, SMK Datuk Patinggi Haji Abdul Rahman, and other schools.
Lee Kim Shin pointed out that many schools are currently forced to implement morning and afternoon sessions due to full enrollment, affecting teachers’ and students’ routines and increasing the transportation burden for parents.
"SMK Merbau already has more than 3,000 students, SMK Pujut over 2,800, and SMK Riam has also exceeded 2,000. These three schools can no longer accommodate more students, and I frequently receive complaints from parents."
He hopes that once SMK Tudan opens, it can help those three schools return to a single morning session, reducing the administrative and teaching burden.
He also urged the Education Department to begin planning and coordination now, including transferring some students from the above-mentioned three schools who live in Tudan, Permyjaya, and Senadin districts to the new school, and to appoint principals and teachers as early as possible to ensure the smooth operation of the new school upon opening.
Lee Kim Shin admitted that he has been actively campaigning for a new school in Senadin for many years, including SK Tudan Jaya and SMK Tudan. The primary school has been successfully put into use three years ago, but the secondary school's project has been on hold due to construction issues. During that period, parents continually asked when it would open.
"Today, I feel gratified because the Ministry of Education has finally reappointed a contractor and started repairing facilities already showing damage, such as column cracks, ensuring the project can be completed on schedule and no longer become a 'sick project'."
He reminded the contractors and consultants to cooperate closely to ensure all works are thoroughly and completely finished once and for all, to avoid structure problems shortly after the new school opens, which would impact student safety and teaching quality.
He also especially thanked the Ministry of Education, Sarawak State Education Department, Miri District Education Department, and all relevant units for their cooperation and efforts, giving this "long-awaited school" a chance for a new beginning.
