EFFORTS to upgrade school infrastructure are commendable, as they ensure a conducive and comfortable learning environment for all members of the school.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow shared this during the opening ceremony of a new building of the SMK St Mark school today.
According to Chow, the state government has contributed over RM1 million to SMK St Mark since 2009 to support various initiatives within the school.
“This includes building upkeep, laboratory facilities, ICT equipment, and other resources to support effective teaching and learning, ensuring pupils in Penang have full access to education.
“The new building cost nearly RM5.5 million, with RM3.2 million from the Federal government and the rest raised through donations from the ‘Majlis Makan Sumbangsih’ event, well-wishers, church members, alumni, and the local community.
“I am proud to see the government, education sector, and community working together to make meaningful progress,” Chow said.
Although the four-storey building was completed in 2019, its official opening ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic.
Chow also said that it will be a challenge for high-performing schools to accommodate the increasing number of students while supporting effective teaching and learning.
“Not only SMK St Mark, but many other schools in Malaysia are also awaiting resources and contributions from the Ministry of Education as well as their respective state governments,” he added.
He also shared he has taken note of the issues raised by both the school principal, T. Shanti, and the school board (LPS) chairman, Rev Soong Hoe Pin.
“One of the concerns highlighted is the Federal road near the school, which will be widened from two lanes to four lanes. This has raised safety concerns, especially regarding traffic flow in front of the school.
“I will bring this matter to the attention of the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure that safety aspects are prioritised in the project.
“Apart from that, I will do my best to fulfil the request to instal a roof over the assembly ground,” Chow added.
On a separate matter, Chow expressed hope that the school and the Anglican church will work together to resolve the long-overdue land issue.
Among the other dignitaries present were Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Senator Dr R. Lingeshwaran, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor C. Linggeswaran.
Some of the pictures taken during the ceremony:-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nabilah Noorazis