Minister School Toilet Funds Closely Monitored For Leaks

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INTERVIEW | Many Malaysians who went through the national education system would have experienced or heard their fair share of ‘horror stories’ surrounding school toilets.
While some tales that were passed down through generations of students would feature a variety of unseen entities, other manifestations could clearly be seen - or smelled - from the moment the toilet doors were opened.
For Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, the upcoming Budget 2024 presents another opportunity and challenge to improve the ministry’s delivery system which often comes under close scrutiny.
“When there is a large allocation, there is a challenge to ensure no leakages.
“I’m lucky to have an experienced team led by the ministry’s secretary-general,” Fadhlina said in an interview with Malaysiakini at the ministry last week.
She said this when pointed out there are many avenues for corruption when delivering various ministry projects, the most recent resulting in an MACC probe against a former aide of former education minister Radzi Jidin, over an RM80 million book printing deal.
“All ongoing projects are closely monitored, including the toilet project,” she said in reference to an ongoing toilet upgrading project at all national schools.
The project was first announced three months ago with an allocation of RM70,000 for each school and a targeted completion by the end of this month.
“A toilet is not just a toilet. We are solving a basic issue.
“First, it is about the facility. And secondly, about students’ values,” Fadhlina said.
Addressing period poverty
She noted mixed responses to the initiative, with those describing conditions of some school toilets now as being ‘hotel-like’, while others questioned if the money could have been better used by the schools.
“In upgrading the toilet, what we wish to teach the students is responsibility and function.
“But at the highest level, and this is maybe what many people do not see, is to address period poverty,” she said.
While some might downplay the seriousness of period poverty, Fadhlina stressed the ministry’s intention to assist young girls in managing themselves with dignity.
“There must be clean water, there must be rubbish bins, there must be a place for them to manage themselves.
“This (toilet upgrading) looks like a simple project but we must talk about the impact, and inform the public,” she said.
The fund for toilet upgrades was channelled as part of an additional RM1.4 billion allocation approved by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in July, intended for overall dilapidated school repairs.
No large enough budget
Ahead of the upcoming Budget 2024, Fadhlina noted the prime minister has promised the education sector will be among the largest recipients of funds.
“There will never be a budget large enough for the education ministry,” she quipped.
However, she said focus areas in the next year include continuing a recently launched Digital Education Policy that targets both students and teachers.
She pointed to Form 6 and vocational students as being among the focus groups, the latter identified as having a high level of employability as skilled workers in various fields.
Anwar, who is also the finance minister, is scheduled to table the 2024 Supply Bill at 4pm this Friday. - Mkini

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