THE Penang government has allocated some RM2.39 million to aid Tamil and Punjabi schools, as well as Tamil-based kindergartens this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hoped that the respective schools could carry out their relevant activities to enhance and develop new facilities; and to empower the students while making their learning process as interesting as possible.
“We hope that the schools can provide a conducive environment for education with the aid.
“Twenty-eight Tamil schools are receiving a total of RM2 million, while three Punjabi schools are receiving RM90,000 in total.
“Meanwhile, 19 Tamil-based kindergartens are receiving a sum of RM150,000. A total of RM150,000 is also allocated for the Tamil school special education committee fund.
“The Penang government will never compromise education,” Chow said at the mock cheque presentation ceremony in Komtar today.
He thanked the Parents and Teachers Association members, principals and education officers for always highlighting the importance of education.
“Keep up the good work. As for the state government, we will continue to assist all the schools in the state,” Chow said.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who heads the Human Resources, Education, Science and Technology Commitee, encouraged Indian parents to send their children to Tamil-based kindergartens.
“Kindergarten education is very important. It also plays a massive role in increasing the number of students in primary and secondary Tamil schools,” he said.
Dr Ramasamy said that it was equally important for existing Tamil schools in Penang to study the student intake on a yearly basis.
Separately, Chow said the state government had recently approved the application by a Tamil school for some two acres of land in Air Itam to build another Tamil school.
“The land is estimated to cost some RM30 million, and if the particular school is interested they can always contact us.
“We can look at how we can assist the school,” Chow added.
Also present were state Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud