THE Penang government today contributed RM50,000 to the Sinar Harapan school, an institution dedicated to children with special needs, to repair its hydrotherapy pool that was no longer functioning.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced the allocation after visiting the school which was part of his ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Permatang Pauh today.
“I got to know from the school principal that the hydrotherapy pool was no longer functioning, hindering the children from their hydrotherapy routine.
“And due to financial difficulties at the moment, the school could not enough funds to repair the pool.
“I hope this contribution from my office can somewhat help the school to get the repair work started for the benefit of the children,” Chow said in his speech after visiting the school in Permatang Rawa on the mainland today.
The hydrotherapy pool is a rehabilitation facility that can help to restore health and heal injuries.
It Is also learnt that the school needs a new van to transport the children (living within a 10km radius in the neighbourhood).
For that, Chow encouraged Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, who was also present, to see if she could channel some funds from her MP’s allocation to assist the school in getting its much-needed van.
Among others present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng and state Agrotech and Food Security, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin.
Established in 1968 and regarded as one of the most historic special needs schools in Penang, Sinar Harapan currently has 11 staff (one physiotherapist) and 42 children.
The school also receives regular donations from various parties and the state Welfare Department.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat