THE Penang government has spent a total of RM10.89 million to assist various types of Chinese, mission, Tamil and Punjabi schools in the state this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this proved that the state government has never neglected its duty to ensure that these schools are well equipped (in terms of their facilities) and in a good condition to accept the new intakes every year.
“From the RM10.89 million allocation this year, RM6.5 million is for the Chinese and mission schools, RM2 million for the Chinese independent schools, and RM2.39 million is for the Tamil, Punjabi schools and Tamil-based kindergartens.
“We will continue to assist these schools because it is our fundamental duty in doing the best we can for these schools to be a viable choice to nurture Penang’s future talents.
“It is also part of our commitment to assist the Chinese, Hindu, Sikh, and other communities in the state,” Chow said in his speech during the Penang Kindergarten Teachers Association (PGTPP) 40th anniversary dinner at the Courtyard by Marriott Penang in George Town today.
Also present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and PGTPP president Sally Ng, who is also the president of the Malaysian Kindergarten Teachers Association.
Chow also congratulated PGTPP for its 40th anniversary and expressed his gratitude towards the association for their dedication in sowing the seeds of Penang’s future talents.
“As we know, preschool teachers play a vital role in the growth and development of children.
“They understand that each child is unique and they meticulously plan and conduct activities while incorporating age-appropriate teaching methods.
“Their skills in creating handmade toys, as well as teaching and learning materials for children also deserve our respect and admiration.
“I am also sure for the past two years, preschool teachers and childcare providers have faced many challenges; with the stay-at-home orders, the closing of our schools across the country, the transition to online teaching and learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Despite all those challenges, you overcame the obstacles and rose above them. Well done!” said Chow.
On a separate matter, Chong Eng urged unlicenced kindergarten operators to apply and get their premises licenced.
“The Penang government, through its local councils, had simplified the procedures and even waived certain fees.
“We have even reduced the change of use fees to a flat rate of only RM1,000.
“It is a simple application via the local councils’ eLesen website. It can be completed within a short period of time.
“The applicants also do not even need to go to Komtar. In the past, the applicants may have to go to Komtar several times. Now, everything can be done via online.
“So, we hope that the unlicenced kindergarten operators will take this opportunity and apply to get their premises licenced.
“This is important to create more childcare centres to help the parents,” she said.
During the anniversary dinner, PGTPP also gave excellent service awards to the preschool teachers under the association.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Chan Kok Kuan