THE Penang government today provided RM662,300 to five independent Chinese schools in the state.
Of the amount, RM500,000 was meant for the financial aid while another RM162,300 was given to the teachers and staff of these schools.
The schools are namely Phor Tay Private High School, Jit Sin Independent High School, Penang Chinese Girls’ Private High School, Han Chiang Independent High School and Chung Ling Private High School. Each of the schools received RM100,000 aid respectively, totalling RM500,000.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was the guest of honour to announce the allocation to these schools, was glad to be present in the remarkable ceremony after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19.
“The previous ceremony was held in Chung Ling Private High School, which took place before the pandemic.
“We could not hold such a meaningful event since then, and it was halted until today.
“We have chosen to hold a simple event at Phor Thay Private High School after a series of discussions being held.
“It is important for us to visit different independent Chinese schools each year in a bid to encourage them,” Chow said in his speech at Phor Thay Private High School in Bagan Jermal this morning.
Chow noted the importance of teachers and staff at these schools in sowing knowledge to the students.
“The state has increased an allocation from RM200 to the current RM600 for the teachers and staff of independent Chinese schools.
“We took advantage of this year’s Teacher’s Day to give out RM300 to them,” he said, while the remaining amount would be given later.
Chow said the state has been giving out about RM4 million in assistance to the five independent Chinese schools since 2015.
On top of that, Chow pointed out the state has allocated more than 25 acres of land to these schools for development purposes and was currently in the midst of processing applications involving a total of 18 acres of land, including the SJK (C) Kuang Yu in Penaga.
When met by reporters, Chow said that the relocation of SJK (C) Kuang Yu was being processed and it needs to undergo various procedures.
On the relocation of SJK (C) Chung Shan in Bayan Lepas, Chow said a letter had been sent to formally request the school to apply to the state Land and Mines Department for such purposes.
Phor Tay School Board chairman Ven Wei Wu expressed his gratitude to the state in a broadcasted virtual session.
“We appreciate the state’s support to the development of independent Chinese schools in the state.
“We are proud that these schools have nurtured many people who contributed to the society,” he said.
In a 10-minute virtual meeting at the school, Ven Wei Wu has also proposed to relocate Phor Tay Private High School in Bagan Jermal to the southwest district.
“We hope the state can assist us as we foresee the number of students will be more in the district.
“Our students in SMJK Phor Tay, Sungai Dua has seen an increase to about 2,000 compared to around 800 when it was located in Bagan Jermal back then,” he said.
Chow noted the school’s request and would look into the matter accordingly.
Among those present were state Chinese and Mission Schools Affairs Coordinating Committee chairman Chong Eng, vice-chairman Wong Hon Wai, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and independent Chinese schools’ representatives.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian