THE Ministry of Education (MoE) remains committed to assisting schools with maintenance issues to ensure a conducive and safe learning environment, says Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying.
Lim announced that a total of RM820,000 has been approved by the MoE for a total of seven primary schools in Penang.
They are SJKT Ramakrishna (RM100,000), SJKC Kong Min 2 (RM110,000), SJKC Kong Min 1 (RM150,000), SJKC Sin Kang (RM120,000), SK Seri Indah (RM120,000), SJK Chung Hwa Confucian A (RM120,000) and SJK Chung Hwa Confucian B (RM100,000).
“The government-aided SJKT, SJKC, and missionary schools in Penang that had applied for maintenance assistance will receive at least RM50,000 or more for the maintenance of the infrastructure of their respective schools.
“As the Deputy Minister of Education, among the issues that I am very concerned about are school infrastructure and professional development for teachers.
“Infrastructure issues correlate with school development while maintenance issues will directly affect the safety and comfort of students and teachers,” Lim said when she visited SJKC Sin Kang today to present a mock cheque for RM120,000 to the school.
Lim added that a new education plan is currently being developed by the MoE which prioritises teacher competency training and individual employability.
Earlier today, Lim, who is also the Tanjong MP, visited SJKT Ramakrishna and SJKC Kong Min 2 to present mock cheques to the respective schools.
Lim has been visiting several schools in Penang since last week.
“These schools will receive their funds this week and I urge them to fully utilise their allocation to upgrade their schools.
“If some schools feel that the funds are insufficient, I hope they will be more patient as the MoE will consider the urgency and needs of each applicant,” she added.
Apart from that, Lim said the government schools will be receiving a special allocation of RM70,000 for toilet upgrading work which will be managed by the state Education Department.
“After visiting several schools, I found out that the toilets are not in good condition and need to be upgraded.
“I hope that the students will be taught the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in school toilets,” Lim said.
She also shared that Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh will be allocating a sum for the SJKC Sin Kang as an additional fund for the upgrading of the school building.
On a separate matter, Lim said that her office had received more than 200 appeals from the students who were rejected for the matriculation programme, of which 50% of those appeals were approved.
“The MoE will carefully review all appeals to ensure that we help students with good results to enter the matriculation programme,” she said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting