OVER the past 15 years, the Penang government has consistently extended financial support to a variety of educational institutions, including Chinese primary schools, vernacular secondary schools, missionary schools, and Chinese private schools.
Emphasising the significance of education, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow affirmed the state’s commitment to allocate RM9 million this year to aid various schools.
Notably, the state government has disbursed RM4.55 million to 84 Chinese primary schools this year.
Chow detailed the distribution, stating that each school received RM10,000, with SJK (C) Chung Hwa 2 in Butterworth receiving the highest allocation of RM200,000 for the refurbishment of a new canteen.
“There are two schools that did not apply for the funds, and four others had pending applications.
“This year, special approval was granted for funding dedicated to the purchase of computers and the enhancement of computer rooms.
“The establishment of these rooms is to foster an innovative learning environment,” Chow said during the fund distribution ceremony in Komtar today.
Chow emphasised the state’s commitment to improving school facilities to create a conducive learning environment.
Additionally, several requests from Chinese primary schools were approved, including RM690,000 for software facilities in 21 schools, RM320,000 for upgrading computer rooms in seven schools, RM150,000 for maker rooms in six schools, and RM295,000 for upgrading halls in nine schools.
Sharing positive developments, Chow announced that SJK (C) Aik Hua in Lilitan Sungai Ara would open next month, catering to the growing number of students.
He also noted that SJK (C) Kuang Yu recently received RM1 million for development purposes.
Addressing upcoming changes, Chow mentioned that 14 headmasters and headmistresses in Chinese primary schools would retire this year.
Expressing optimism, he encouraged the incoming school leaders to continue the commendable work established by their predecessors.
Among those present were state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, state Social Development, Non-Religious and Welfare Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis