SIXTEEN missionary schools along with 12 secondary and five Chinese private schools have received a further boost today after a total of RM4.096 million was allocated by the state government to support them in their development, upgrading and repair works.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow handed out mock cheques to the respective school representatives that were present earlier at the brief handover ceremony.
While addressing the attendees in his speech, Chow said he understood that quite a number of schools, especially missionary schools, were already a century-old and required a close watch to ensure the facilities and building components stayed intact.
“We hope that this annual allocation that we have been practising since 2008 will somehow continue to benefit these schools, even if it’s in the smallest way possible.
“Although the amount allocated may not be sufficient to fulfil the entire cost for a particular project, we hope it can help ease the burden of the schools and the Parents and Teachers Association.
“This is our commitment at the state level to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for the teachers and students,” Chow said during his speech at the brief ceremony in Komtar today.
He also echoed the concerns of the missionary schools for the lack of funds from the public.
“For this, I would like to urge the unity government to pay heed to this issue involving missionary schools, not only in Penang but throughout the country.
“A much more systematic and consistent flow of funds will play a key part in making sure these school buildings are conserved for an even longer time,” he added.
Meanwhile, out of the RM4.096 million, RM1.23 million was contributed to 12 SMJK schools, RM866,000 to 16 missionary schools and RM2 million to five Chinese private schools.
Some of the main recipients were SMJK (C) Jit Sin, SMJK (C) Phor Tay, SMK St Mark, SM Han Chiang and others.
Also present during the ceremony were state executive councillor Chong Eng, who is also the Penang Chinese Education Affairs Coordinating Committee chairman, assemblymen Heng Lee Lee (Berapit), Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota), Chris Lee (Pulau Tikus), Joseph Ng (Air Itam), Ong Ah Teong (Batu Lancang), Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun) and former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat