Papar:The Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Majakir in Papar has significantly increased its hostel capacity from 160 to 300 students following the completion of a new hostel block.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the construction, costing RM18.23 million, was handed over from the Sabah Education Department to the Papar District Education Office. This development is part of the government's efforts to enhance educational facilities.
The project, completed on April 30, 2026, includes two two-storey hostel blocks and various related amenities. The new infrastructure addresses longstanding capacity constraints and improves the quality of hostel facilities at SMK Majakir.
Originally, the hostel was a classroom and administrative block that was converted to meet accommodation demands. This conversion led to space and layout challenges, especially as the school continued to receive applications from students, particularly those living far away.
The existing facilities were fully utilized, with some areas repurposed, such as the boys' hostel warden's room being converted into a student room. The new block now offers a range of facilities, including wardens' quarters, dormitory rooms for Persons with Disabilities, sports courts, and a dining hall.
The old hostel building may revert to its original classroom use, providing additional learning space. This expansion aims to enhance students' welfare and create a safer, more comfortable environment.