PENANG continues to cement its position as a national leader in strengthening Tamil education, becoming the first state in Malaysia to channel annual special allocations and equip every Tamil school (SJKT) with smartboards.
This achievement was highlighted by state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu during today’s Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting in response to a question from A. Kumaresan (PH – Batu Uban).
Sundarajoo (PH – Perai) began by explaining the historical challenges faced by Tamil schools, many of which were originally set up by plantation owners during the British colonial era.
These schools were established to provide basic education for the children of estate workers, with little attention given to long-term development.
When the plantation industry declined, many estates were abandoned or sold to private developers, and Tamil schools, particularly those in rural areas, were left without financial support, infrastructure maintenance, or proper oversight.
As a result, many were plagued by old buildings, limited classrooms, inadequate computer labs and a lack of modern teaching tools.
He said it was this deep-rooted inequality that drove the Penang government to intervene decisively.
“Many of our Tamil schools inherited issues such as aging buildings, lack of classrooms, insufficient computer labs, and limited modern teaching equipment.
“This is why the state government took proactive steps to set up the Special Committee, to address historical inequalities and bring all Tamil schools in Penang to a higher, more competitive standard,” he said.
The Penang government subsequently established the Special Committee for Tamil Schools under the purview of the Housing and Environment executive councillor.
Through this committee, the state embarked on a systematic and long-term effort to uplift all SJKT in Penang.
To date, tens of millions of ringgit have been invested in the development of infrastructure, digital facilities, academic support programmes and school maintenance.
Sundarajoo noted that these efforts have transformed the landscape of Tamil education in the state, elevating school conditions and providing students with the tools necessary to thrive in a modern learning environment.
“These investments have not only enhanced the overall quality of Tamil education in Penang but have also positioned our state as a national model for successful minority community education management.
“Several other states have visited Penang to study our system as a best practice reference,” he said.
Sundarajoo explained that the committee’s work is comprehensive and continuous.
One of its central priorities is addressing land status issues involving Tamil schools, ensuring that each institution has secure and proper land documentation.
At the same time, the committee has been intensifying efforts to uplift academic performance so that all schools, regardless of size or location, progress in tandem with the state’s long-term goals for educational excellence.
In 2025, the state distributed RM2.3 million to 28 Tamil primary schools and 14 Tamil kindergartens.
This allocation supported a wide range of improvements, from infrastructure repairs and digital equipment upgrades to teacher training programmes and the purchase of essential school materials.
Continuous monitoring has also ensured that pressing needs such as roof repairs, toilet upgrades, classroom refurbishments and provision of kindergarten facilities are addressed swiftly and effectively.
With the installation of smartboards in all SJKT, Penang has enabled more effective implementation of 21st-century learning methods (PAK21), ensuring that Tamil school students enjoy the same level of digital exposure as their peers in other school streams.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen academic achievement and uplift the Tamil language, including the distribution of Tamil language workbooks, the hosting of the Tamil Language Teachers’ Conference and the encouragement of technology-based teaching methods in the classroom.
In April 2025, Penang marked another milestone by organising the very first SJKT Sports Carnival, which saw the participation of all 28 Tamil schools.
More than 1,000 pupils, teachers and parents joined the event, which celebrated sportsmanship and community spirit.
“The sports carnival did more than celebrate physical activity, it strengthened unity, built character, and brought together the entire Tamil school community,” Sundarajoo shared.
Addressing the status of the new SJKT Sungai Bakap building, Sundarajoo informed the House that discussions with the Minister of Education have taken place, but the project remains tied to an ongoing court process.
“Any action by the Ministry of Education can only proceed once the court case is resolved.
“This is to ensure that no decision disrupts or contradicts the legal process that is still underway,” he stated.
Sundarajoo concluded by reaffirming Penang’s firm commitment to equitable and quality education for the Tamil community.
“Our mission is clear, we want every Tamil student in Penang to have access to modern, high-quality education.
“This is not just an investment in schools; it is an investment in the future of our children and the future of Penang,” he said.
Story by Kevin Vimal