A TOTAL of 28 Tamil primary schools and three Punjabi Education Centres in Penang have received RM2.3 million and RM120,000, respectively, from the Penang government.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who presented the mock cheques to representatives of the schools and learning institutions, stressed the state’s commitment to supporting vernacular education, particularly Tamil primary schools in Penang.
“This demonstrates our dedication to empowering vernacular education in the state, especially the development of Tamil vernacular schools in Penang.
“This year marks the 16th time the state has allocated special annual assistance to Tamil primary schools and Punjabi Education Centres,” Chow said.
Chow noted that for this year, the Tamil Schools Special Committee allocated RM2.3 million specifically for the development of Tamil schools, Tamil kindergartens, and related funds.
He highlighted the importance of a conducive learning environment, particularly for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
“It is our duty to ensure the pupils have a conducive learning environment,” he added.
Chow expressed hope that the funds would be used for human capital development.
Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu also emphasised the crucial role of education.
“The state is committed to ensuring that pupils receive the necessary assistance. We will do our best to support the schools for the well-being of our future generations,” he said.
The ceremony at Komtar was attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Religious Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, and Senator Dr R.A. Lingeswaran.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting