The Penang government has allocated RM8.093 million under its 2025 institutionalised funding programme for Chinese primary schools, Chinese secondary schools and independent Chinese secondary schools in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, along with several state representatives, presented cheques to school representatives at a ceremony held at SJK(C) Aik Hua’s newly built hall on Lilitan Sungai Ara in Bayan Lepas today.
A total of 90 Chinese primary schools received RM4.718 million, while 12 Chinese secondary schools were allocated RM1.375 million, and five independent Chinese secondary schools received RM2 million, amounting to RM8.093 million.
Combined with the RM860,000 allocated to 15 mission schools in Komtar yesterday, the total funding for Chinese and mission schools in Penang this year stands at RM8.953 million.
The annual funding initiative underscores the state government’s long-standing commitment to education development.
“Since the programme’s inception in 2009, the state government has disbursed more than RM134.97 million to support these schools. However, the demand for funding far exceeds the available resources, with total applications this year surpassing RM40 million. The state government’s annual allocation for the programme remains capped at RM9 million.
“In addition to infrastructure and development needs, there is a growing demand for smart interactive panels and MakerLabs in schools. To support 21st-century innovative education, the government has set aside RM1.5 million to help schools acquire these resources,” Chow said in his speech.
He said the handover cheque ceremony provided a good platform for the state government and school representatives to meet once again to understand the issues facing Chinese schools in Malaysia.
“Penang lacks natural resources, and talent is our most valuable asset for sustainable development. The state government will continue working with all stakeholders to modernise school facilities and optimise education resources,” he emphasised.
This year’s event was held at SJKC Aik Hua, marking a departure from its usual venue at the Komtar auditorium. Chow expressed gratitude to the school’s board chairman Datuk Gary Choot Ewe Beng, the board members, and the school administration for hosting the event. SJKC Aik Hua, established in 1913, was relocated to the new premises in 2023 and opened last year.
“This year, we’ve decided to move the ceremony here because it is the fruit of many years of hard work by the Aik Hua school committee and the community at large before the school was completed, and opened last year. This year is the second intake for Primary One.
“This is also an opportunity for other schools to understand that sustaining and promoting Chinese education is no easy task. The efforts of the Aik Hua school committee should inspire all schools in Penang to continue doing their level best while allowing the community to see the fruits of their contributions in finally producing a school that will be able to educate the future generation.”
State assembly members inspected and assessed schools in their respective constituencies, while the Penang Government Coordination Committee for Chinese Schools and Missionary Schools held three meetings to evaluate and approve funding applications. The allocations were based on the urgency and importance of the projects requested.
“I hope today’s allocations will help schools improve their learning environments, benefiting both teachers and students.
“We appreciate the contributions of the community all these years. Without your support, there will be a lot of challenges. The state government is just doing its part to improve the situation at the Chinese schools,” Chow concluded.
Among those present were state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai (Paya Terubong), Lim Siew Khim (Sungai Pinang), Datuk Seri Sundarjoo Somu (Perai) and Daniel Gooi Zi Sen (Padang Lalang), and state assemblymen Connie Tan Hooi Peng (Seri Delima), Wong Yuee Harng (Pengkalan Kota), Kumaran Krishnan (Bagan Dalam), Chee Yeeh Keen (Bagan Jermal), Joseph Ng Soon Siang (Air Itam), Lee Boon Heng (Kebun Bunga), Goh Choon Aik (Bukit Tambun), Teh Lai Heng (Komtar), Heng Lee Lee (Berapit) and Phee Syn Tze (Sungai Puyu).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi