Kuching: The office of Stampin MP YB Chong Chieng Jen has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and community development by providing financial assistance to SK Sacred Heart for its annual activities and the purchase of drone equipment.
Representing Chong at the cheque presentation ceremony recently was his Special Assistant, Jordan Soo Tien Ren, who said the Stampin MP’s office would continue to assist the school in its development and infrastructure needs.
Speaking at the event, Soo emphasised the importance of schools, particularly at the primary level, in shaping children’s learning experiences and personal growth.
“Schools are an important foundation of community development. Within our capacity, the Stampin MP’s office will continue to work closely with schools and provide practical assistance according to their needs, so that students can learn in a more complete, advanced, and comfortable environment,” he said.
He noted that over the past few years, the Stampin MP’s office had contributed smart televisions to improve teaching facilities and enhance classroom learning experiences. Additional facilities, including water dispensers, are also being planned in stages to improve convenience for students and teachers.
The latest allocation includes funding for drone equipment, which Soo said would help promote technology education and innovation among students.
“The Stampin MP’s office and DAP have always believed that education must keep up with the times. With the rapid advancement of technology, schools should have the opportunity to access modern equipment, allowing students to develop an interest in technology, innovation, and hands-on learning from a young age,” he said.
He stressed that technology education should not be limited to urban schools or institutions with greater resources.
“Our children must not be left behind by the times. More students should have the opportunity to be exposed to, learn, and apply technology. Stampin and DAP believe that investing in education means investing in the future of our children,” he added.
Soo said the Stampin MP’s office would continue to monitor schools’ needs in areas such as teaching equipment, student welfare, and campus development, while assisting whenever possible.
“Education is not a slogan. It requires long-term, continuous, and practical support. We will continue to stay in touch with schools, understand the problems they face, and do our best to assist,” he said.
Concerns Over Drainage Conditions in Kampung Sudat
Meanwhile, Soo raised concerns about the condition of the drains in Kampung Sudat after passing through the area following the school visit.
He described the drainage system as being poorly maintained, with rubbish and accumulated silt obstructing water flow. More critically, he said the overall design and capacity of the drainage system appeared inadequate.
“Some drains are too shallow and simply unable to accommodate sufficient water flow. During heavy rain, water cannot be discharged quickly enough, making it one of the main causes of recurring flash floods in the area,” he said.
According to Soo, cleaning drains alone would not be sufficient to address the recurring problem.
“If the drains themselves are too shallow and lack sufficient drainage capacity, short-term cleaning can only provide temporary relief and will not solve the flash flood problem at its root,” he explained.
He urged the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) to conduct an immediate site inspection, clean the existing drains, and reassess the drainage system’s design and capacity. Where necessary, he said, upgrading works should be undertaken to prevent future flooding.
Soo also called on local authorities to take a more proactive approach by identifying high-risk areas before floods occur, particularly around schools, residential neighbourhoods and major access roads.
“Drainage issues may seem like small matters, but every flash flood affects residents’ daily lives, road safety and property. We hope MPP will take the situation in Kampung Sudat seriously and take concrete action as soon as possible,” he said.
