THE Penang government has allocated RM9 million to assist various types of schools this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the allocation given this year was an increase of RM500,000 compared to RM8.5 million allocated last year.
“Out of the amount, RM4,481,000 is given to a total of 85 SJK (C) schools in the state.
“This is our 15th year helping the various schools in Penang.
“The funds that are being given are to assist the schools, specifically to build more facilities, and for other purposes, to ensure a better learning environment for the students.
“The allocation has been increased compared to last year. We were made to understand that some schools need funds to construct new buildings and expansion purposes,” Chow said in his speech during the mock cheque presentation ceremony in Komtar today.
Chow said SJK (C) Kuang Yu at Penaga has received the highest allocation of RM210,000.
“Aside from allocating funds, we also support the development of Chinese schools. The new SJK (C) Kuang Yu building in Batu Kawan is expected to be constructed in June this year.
“Other schools that will be expanded include SJK (C) Perempuan China and SJK (C) Chung Hwa 2 in Butterworth.
“In addition, the SJK (C) Aik Hua’s new building in Sungai Ara is nearing completion. It is expected to be completed in March before being opened to pupils next year,” he said.
On the issue of low enrolment in Chinese primary schools, Chow noted there are a total of 18 schools with less than 100 students.
“We have discussed with the relevant body to find a solution to tackle the issue,” he said.
Penang Chinese Education Affairs Coordinating Committee chairman Chong Eng said she hoped the allocations channelled to the schools would be fully utilised.
Also present were state Local Government, Housing, Country and Town Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon, state Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, assemblymen Teh Lai Heng (Komtar), Heng Lee Lee (Berapit), Joseph Ng (Air Itam), A. Kumaresan (Batu Uban), Jason H’ng (Jawi), Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun), Ong Ah Teong (Batu Lancang), Chris Lee (Pulau Tikus), Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota), Azrul Mahathir Aziz (Bayan Lepas) and former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siew Chia En