RESIDENTS in Bukit Mertajam will have their first-ever digital library soon!
Known as the Bukit Mertajam Digital Library, it will be located at the three-storey building of the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam.
It is learnt that the renovation works will start as soon as possible and are expected to be fully completed in 2024.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the idea of setting up the first digital library in the area originated from the own initiative of Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam.
“I am happy to note that the Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam is supportive of the state government’s plans to boost our human capital.
“The school union has done so by approaching us directly to collaborate with Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) to set up the very first digital library in Bukit Mertajam and also the first in the central Seberang Perai district.
“As a result of the discussion, we had a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between the two parties, namely Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam and CMI in September last year.
“This is an example of a fruitful collaboration between the state government and the non-governmental organisation (NGO)!
“Such action will benefit the people of Penang, in particular, residents of Bukit Mertajam by creating a platform and space for information and creative knowledge, technology as well as a place for connection and interaction that is accessible by the local community,” Chow said in his speech before taking part in the ground-breaking ceremony at Jit Sin School Union building, Jalan Sri Bukit in Bukit Mertajam today.
Also present were Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim Chee Keong, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, Chow’s political secretary Teh Lai Heng, who is also the Komtar assemblyman, Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam chairman Ng Cheng Teik and Bukit Mertajam Digital Library committee chairman Datuk Ng Wah Sim.
According to Chow, once the project is completed, it will help boost the state government’s efforts in promoting the teaching and learning of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
“This is important to position Penang as one of the leading centres of excellence in this field.
“For the Bukit Mertajam Digital Library to come true, much work needs to be done by the Jit Sin School Union as they are currently in the process of obtaining the necessary permits and approvals to upgrade and refurbish the existing premises.
“Nevertheless, the state government will do its part to assist them in any way that is possible,” said Chow.
He also urged the people of Bukit Mertajam to provide their full support to Jit Sin School Union for the setting up of the digital library.
“This also includes financial assistance so that they can succeed in their efforts.
“After all, in time to come, this facility will be fully utilised by our students and learned professionals who are the citizens of central Seberang Perai district.
“This is a fundamental step in the creation of a smart technological ecosystem and ultimately, a knowledgeable community here,” he said.
Ng said the total cost of the upcoming digital library is about RM2.5 million.
“After the MoU signing ceremony last year, we already managed to collect RM1.8 million through a fundraising event.
“The state government also has already announced a special allocation of RM300,000 last year to help us to set up the digital library.
“We hope good Samaritans will step forward to assist us to complete the remaining amount needed.
“As of now, we are only waiting for permit approval from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
“Once it is approved, we can start work immediately to upgrade and refurbish the current premises. We hope that the state government also can expedite the permit approval process.
“After all, we are committed to establishing the digital library based on the guidelines given by CMI and we hope it can be completed by next year,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat