Chan, who is also Sabah DAP deputy chairman, said he was “upset” by attempts to frame the project as wasteful, describing such sentiment as ignoring the realities faced by Pulau Gaya children.

He said the plan to rebuild SK Pulau Gaya and SMK Pulau Gaya on land was necessary to address long-standing safety risks, including coastal erosion and structural instability.

“Some critics attack me by asking, ‘RM260 million divided by 2,000 students – why is it so expensive per head?’

“My answer is simple: as a government, we cannot deny a student’s right to access education. It is priceless. You cannot put a price tag on it,” he told reporters at a community programme here.

On Nov 10, the federal government approved a RM260 million allocation to upgrade existing schools on the island, The Borneo Post reported.

Chan said the new facilities would include 36 classrooms for each school, along with a main hall and sports field, creating a safer and more conducive learning environment.

In 2022, SMK Pulau Gaya was hit by a severe storm that caused part of the roof and several classrooms to collapse. No injuries were reported.

Chan also pledged free daily transport by boat for students travelling between their villages and the schools, adding that he would meet Pulau Gaya boat operators after the Nov 29 election to establish a sustainable mechanism for the initiative.

“My aspiration is free boat transport for Pulau Gaya children going to school. We understand their daily travel challenges, and we want Pulau Gaya children to succeed,” he said.

“To ensure that they reach school quickly, safely, and without financial burden, I humbly offer a special free boat service for SK Pulau Gaya and SMK Pulau Gaya students throughout the school year.”

Chan is one of nine candidates contesting the Tanjung Aru seat at this month’s election. Warisan’s Junz Wong won the seat with a majority of 3,147 votes in the 2020 election.