ANNUALLY, the Penang government sets aside RM12 million to assist Penang schools under the educational assistance programme.
The fund is channeled to missionary schools, Chinese vernacular and private schools, Tamil schools and religious schools for the purpose of empowering human capital development.
The allocations are meant for critical maintenance work such as upgrading classrooms, roofs, water tanks, canteens, sports sites and toilets for the safety of the students and also to provide a conducive learning environment.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the state government has allocated RM1,140,000 for 22 missionary schools throughout Penang this year. The allocations are for those who have applied and qualified.
“Although they may not be sufficient to fulfil the needs of all the schools, I hope that the allocations will be able to reduce the financial burden of the schools especially in providing better learning environment for the students.
“Although the education sector is not under the jurisdiction of the state government,we will continue to promote education development in the state by providing financial assistance to schools just as it has been practised yearly,” Chow said during the mock cheque presentation ceremony in Komtar today.
Chow said the Penang government also decided to allocate RM3 million financial assistance for national primary and secondary schools beginning this year.
Also present were Women and Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee and Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai.
Story by K.Thaarshenii
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis