THE Penang government has allocated RM4.188 million to aid vernacular secondary schools (SMJK), missionary schools and Chinese private schools this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the allocation is part of the RM13.5 million total allocation provided to assist various types of schools in the state this year.
“From RM4.188 million, RM1.355 million is for 12 SMJK, RM833,000 to 18 missionary schools and RM2 million to five Chinese private schools.
“Last week, we had also donated a total of RM4.312 million to 87 Chinese-medium schools – SJK(C) in Penang.
“This is an annual practice by the state government to help various schools in Penang.
“The funds that were channelled to all these schools are mainly to assist them to build more classrooms, toilet upgrading works, maintaining their science labs and many others.
“Thus, this shows that the state government cares about the welfare of various schools in the state so that they can provide better facilities and accommodation for the students and teachers.
“This is important to create a comfortable and conducive learning environment in schools,” Chow said during the mock cheque presentation ceremony held at the Auditorium F on Level 5 in Komtar today.
Also present were state Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who is also Chow’s political secretary.
Chong Eng also urged schools that had received funds from the state last year but have yet to complete the projects, to do so as soon as possible to ensure this year’s allocation is used timely for other projects.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud