SK Logongon, a Rural School in Need of Educational Support

SK Logongon, located in the small district of Pagalungan, Nabawan, Sabah, is a rural school near the border with Kalimantan, Indonesia. Its remote location, far from urban centres, makes access to basic facilities and educational resources very limited.

To reach the school from Kota Kinabalu, it takes around 3 hours of land travel to Nabawan through hilly terrain, followed by an additional 2-hour journey to the small district of Pagalungan. Before 2026, the journey had to continue by boat along the river, taking around 40 to 50 minutes depending on water currents.

Although road access to Pagalungan is now available, some communities still rely on river routes as their main form of transportation.

Education Support by Islamic Relief Malaysia

On 19 June 2026, Islamic Relief Malaysia provided education assistance to SK Logongon, which included:

• 1 Smart TV unit for teaching and learning (PdP) purposes
• 1 printer for teachers’ use
• School supplies for 28 selected students, including:
  • School bags
  • Exercise books
  • Stationery

This support was made possible through funds raised under the Charity Week Programme of Islamic Relief Malaysia, with contributions from donors nationwide.

In addition, Islamic Relief Malaysia also used a newly donated rescue boat to deliver the items to this remote area.

Why This Support Is Important

Islamic Relief Malaysia staff member, Fathi Ridhwan Saidin, said the school requires continuous support due to its remote location and significant logistical challenges.

“Because the village is located deep in the interior, residents face difficulties in obtaining essential goods and basic food supplies. They have to incur high costs just to travel to town for necessities. That is why we chose this area as a support location to help ease the burden of the local community.”

This assistance is also important in supporting the national education policy, which encourages the use of technology in Teaching and Learning (PdP). The additional Smart TV helps strengthen learning processes in both the primary and secondary schools located within the same area.

Access Challenges and Rural Community Life

Previously, the journey to SK Logongon was not only long but also very challenging. The community had to go through:

• A hilly overland journey from Kota Kinabalu to Nabawan
• Additional travel to the Pagalungan area
• Boat travel across rivers depending on water currents
• At times, shallow river conditions requiring boats to be manually carried over rocky areas

Although road infrastructure has improved in 2026, rivers are still the main transportation route for some communities.

Boat Donation: Long-Term Community Impact

In addition to education assistance, Islamic Relief Malaysia previously donated a boat to the local community. The boat is now used for several important purposes, including:

• School transportation
• Funeral transport
• Transport for Friday prayers

Along with the boat, the following items were also provided:

• 50 life jackets
• Mooring ropes
• Canvas sheets

This boat has significantly improved mobility and safety for the rural community.

Previous Support in SK Logongon

Islamic Relief Malaysia has also implemented several interventions in this area, including:

• Cheer to School Programme – school supplies assistance
• Ramadan food pack distribution
• Community programme “Ziarah Pagalungan” – various activities and aid distribution

These continuous efforts reflect Islamic Relief Malaysia’s long-term commitment to empowering rural communities.

Ongoing Commitment of Islamic Relief Malaysia

Islamic Relief Malaysia will continue expanding education support to rural schools in Sabah and other areas facing educational access challenges.

The main focus is to ensure that every child has better access to education, in line with efforts to reduce the education gap between urban and rural areas.

Support This Effort

Every contribution helps open more educational opportunities for children in rural areas like SK Logongon. Donate now through the MySedekah campaign by Islamic Relief Malaysia