THE Penang government remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating the development of SJKC Tun Lim Chong Eu in Penang.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that the state government is actively coordinating with relevant departments to ensure that the proposed site at Taman Markisah, Bukit Mertajam, meets all necessary requirements.
Providing context for the project, Chow explained that a Cabinet decision in July 2018 approved the construction of SJKC Tun Lim Chong Eu in Penang. This followed an earlier proposal to develop the school at Puncak Alam Eco Grandeur in Selangor.
“The Penang government received a letter from then-Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching on Jan 10, 2020, requesting the state government to evaluate the proposal’s feasibility and identify a suitable site for the school.
“In response, the state government acted swiftly, inviting landowners and developers to contribute appropriate land for the project.
“On Feb 3, 2020, a developer offered a 4-acre plot near the Vangohh Eminent Hotel as the proposed site for the school. However, progress was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Post-pandemic, follow-up efforts resumed, but the site was ultimately deemed unsuitable as it failed in its traffic impact assessment,” he told a media conference in Komtar today.
Chow said the developer subsequently proposed another 4-acre site in Taman Markisah for the school.
“Although education matters, including school construction, fall outside the jurisdiction of state governments, the Penang government remains dedicated to providing support wherever possible.
“The state government primarily serves as a facilitator in education matters.
“While education does not fall directly under our jurisdiction, our steadfast commitment to supporting the development of Chinese education is evident.
“We do not seek recognition, but we hope to be spared unwarranted criticism,” he said.
Chow highlighted that the state had committed funding for all 90 Chinese primary schools, 12 national-type Chinese secondary schools, 24 mission schools, and five independent Chinese secondary schools in Penang since 2009.
“To date, over RM134.97 million has been disbursed. Additionally, RM22 million has been allocated to independent Chinese schools for upgrades and expansions, and over RM3.54 million in gratuities have been provided to independent school staff since 2012,” he said.
Chow further emphasised the Penang government’s efforts in supporting several Chinese primary schools in recent years. The schools mentioned are SJKC Eng Chuan, SJKC Chung Shan, SJKC Kuang Yu, Phor Tay Private High School, and SJKC Aik Keow (Penaga).
Also present at the media conference were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee.