The Ministry of Education (MoE) has called for the immediate resolution of land title and Occupancy Certificate (OC) issues to repair and upgrade dilapidated schools in Sabah.

Secretary-General Datuk Ruji Ubi said unresolved land ownership and certification matters are major barriers preventing funds and resources from reaching schools in need, especially in rural areas.

“At SMK Merotai, Form Six students are studying in a severely dilapidated building. We need to act fast, but land and OC matters must be resolved first,” he said during a visit to the school in Tawau, on Friday.

Ruji emphasized that quick action is critical for expediting development projects in Sabah, where over 40 schools have been identified for upgrades under a national plan covering 122 dilapidated schools.

“These projects are ready to start, but the land and OC issues must be addressed immediately to move forward,” he added.

Sabah has long struggled with undocumented federal facilities like schools and clinics, which have operated without proper land titles for decades, delaying upgrades and new constructions.

Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib has repeatedly urged authorities to resolve these administrative hurdles.

Recently, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor directed that such projects proceed without waiting for land titles, provided the land is gazetted for its intended purpose.

It was learned that many of these schools were constructed without prior applications for land and Occupancy titles.

Ruji also observed the 2025 Early School Assistance Programme during his visit, distributing RM150 in aid to students at SMK Merotai Besar.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Andi Mohamad Suryady Bandy and Merotai assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata were present at the event. – January 17, 2025.