THE relocation and rebuilding of SJKT Rajaji, which stood for over seven decades beside a temple compound, marks not merely a physical move but a powerful demonstration of how unity, policy courage and Madani governance can translate long-standing community aspirations into reality, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new SJKT Rajaji, Chow said the school’s journey, from operating on temple land for more than 70 years to being granted a permanent site, reflects the state government’s commitment to resolving complex grassroots issues through collaboration, patience and innovative policymaking.
The new school building will be constructed on a site adjacent to Sunshine Central in Air Itam, directly next to SJKC Chiao Nan.
“This initiative was not easy. We faced resistance and obstacles from the very beginning, but through calm engagement and collaboration under the spirit of national unity, we were able to overcome every challenge,” he said.
The new school, to be built on a 2.368-acre site, will feature a two-storey building with a total built-up area of 33,225 sq ft, housing 12 classrooms and facilities including an open hall, canteen, principal’s office, administrative offices, library, surau, staff room and toilets.
Chow explained that while Tamil schools are generally partially aided schools responsible for raising their own construction funds, the Penang government adopted a creative and pragmatic approach to ensure the project could proceed without delay.
“As the highest policy-making body at the state level, the State Executive Council must think creatively and innovatively to resolve issues faced by the people.
“In this case, we successfully secured the cooperation of Ideal Property Group to fully finance and construct the school in accordance with approved town planning conditions,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to Ideal Property Group, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), education authorities, Hindu Endowment Board, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and elected representatives, for facilitating approvals and ensuring the project could commence smoothly.
“This reflects our constitutional responsibility to ensure all streams of education receive fair support, from both the Federal and state governments so that education development benefits everyone,” he added.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who also chairs the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee, announced that the state allocates approximately RM2.42 million annually specifically for Tamil schools.
“Compared to other states, Penang has the highest ratio of Tamil school enrolment. With this funding, we can strengthen infrastructure development across our schools,” he said.
Highlighting historical challenges, Sundarajoo noted that nearly 70% of Tamil schools in Penang originated from plantation estates, many of which are now located on former estate or third-party land.
“One of our key initiatives is to secure permanent land ownership for Tamil schools.
In the past two and a half years, we have successfully resolved land issues for four Tamil schools,” he said.
He also cited academic and co-curricular achievements, including 26 Tamil school students from Penang winning 80 awards (World Robot Games) in Taiwan, underscoring the potential of Tamil schools when properly supported.
“These achievements bring pride not only to Penang but to the entire country,” he said.
In addition, Sundarajoo announced a RM10,000 allocation to establish prayer rooms in all Tamil schools across Penang, alongside leadership and motivation programmes for headmasters and teachers.
Meanwhile, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh described the new SJKT Rajaji as a symbol of the constituency’s multiracial identity.
“This is the spirit of Bukit Gelugor. We are proud to have a Chinese school, a Muslim religious school, and soon, a Tamil school, all coexisting in mutual respect,” he said.
Tracing the school’s roots back to the 1940s during the British colonial era, Ramkarpal said SJKT Rajaji’s relocation was long overdue, given its original location beside the Kaliamman Temple in Air Putih.
He also conveyed apologies from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who were unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Thanking Ideal Property Group, Ramkarpal said the new school, with a projected construction period of two years, sits on land valued at RM20 million.
“This school will initially accommodate about 150 students, with projected growth to 250–300 students. It is very much needed in this area,” he said.
He further revealed plans to convert the old Sunshine site into a community hall to serve Bukit Gelugor residents.
“We don’t have a hall here, and I’m making this public today, this space should be returned to the people,” he said.
As construction begins, Chow called on Penangites to continue supporting bold but necessary development decisions.
“Without unity, leaders become hesitant. But when courageous policies deliver results, the people will ultimately benefit,” he said.
The new SJKT Rajaji, he added, stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government, private sector and community work together, not just to build a school, but to secure a future.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian