KUALA LUMPUR Feb 20, 2025 – The Education Ministry has shown cautious support for Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) plan to build high-rise schools of up to 17 stories in the city.
However, they insisted that safety considerations and sustainability will be thoroughly evaluated beforehand. Minister Fadhlina Sidek confirmed that high-rise school buildings are not a new concept, citing past successes with multi-storey educational facilities, such as the 10-storey Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Sentosa in Kuala Lumpur.
“We have built multi-storey schools before, with the highest reaching 10 storeys, and there have been no issues. We understand the challenges in the Federal Territory, and this is not a new concept,” she explained.
The high-rise schools proposed by DBKL will feature two blocks, each ranging from 10 to 17 stories, designed to make the most of limited land space while addressing the growing population in the city. Fadhlina Sidek assured that the suitability of these tall buildings will be regularly reviewed, with student safety being the top priority.
Addressing Overcrowding Issue
With the growing demand for educational facilities, overcrowding in schools has become a pressing issue. In response, Fadhlina mentioned that the MOE has already introduced solutions like cabin classrooms in areas such as Cyberjaya, Selangor, which have been effective in creating better learning environments.
“This approach has proven successful, and we will continue exploring options that provide a quality learning experience without compromising safety or comfort,” the Minister affirmed.
Ironically, some schools in the west coast are facing low enrollment. As of 2024, SK Tebing Rebak in Perak only recorded a total of 8 registered students.
Maintenance Concerns
In addition to the high rise school proposals by DBKL, the education minister also cited concerns on the maintenance of facilities in residential schools, especially the restrooms. She assured the public that MOE has allocated sufficient budgets for any repairing works, ensuring a comfortable environment for students.
“We take school facilities seriously. Each school gets a maintenance budget, and we’re committed to fixing any issues quickly,” she said.
While the plans for high-rise schools may raise questions about their practicality, they also signal a shift towards modern solutions in urban education. The ministry’s ongoing efforts to address overcrowding and ensure proper facilities reflect a growing commitment to creating a conducive learning environment for future generations.
