 Keng Koon expansion into reality){kind=link}
THE long-awaited expansion of SJK (C) Keng Koon in Simpang Ampat took a significant step forward today with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new school building project, backed by a RM4.2 million allocation from the Prime Minister’s Department.
Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik said the federal allocation reflected the government’s continued support for education, particularly Chinese education, and would help meet the growing needs of the school community.
“This allocation is not merely construction funding. It is also a recognition of the importance of education, especially Chinese education, and a meaningful investment in the future of our community.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks the transformation of years of hopes and planning into reality. It is an important milestone not only for the school, but also for the local community that has supported this project throughout the years,” he said at the ceremony.
Goh said the development would comprise a three-storey block and a four-storey block, providing a total of 24 classrooms, with the ground floor designated for a canteen and other supporting facilities.
The construction is expected to take a few months’ time.
Meanwhile, the school board director Datuk Seri Tan Kian Poo said the project had been in the pipeline for many years and represented a major milestone in the school’s development journey.
He thanked the Prime Minister’s Department for approving the RM4.2 million allocation, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the school and Chinese education.
“The project has been planned for many years. What we are witnessing today is the result of the collective efforts of many individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality,” he said.
Tan said fundraising efforts would be temporarily suspended as the funds secured thus far were sufficient for the construction phase.
“We want to give the Chinese community some breathing space, as there are other school development projects that also require support from the public,” he said.
However, he noted that future fundraising exercises may be carried out to finance educational facilities and equipment not covered under the building cost.
“What we are building now is the hardware. Later, we will focus on the software, including classroom fittings, teaching equipment, computers and other educational resources.
“Our priority is to fulfil the school’s basic requirements first before looking at additional facilities and enhancements,” he added.
He said the school would closely monitor the project’s progress to ensure construction remained on schedule.
Tan added that the school would continue seeking support from both the Federal and the Penang governments to further strengthen its educational facilities in the future.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee