Penang Channels RM2.42 Mln To Tamil Schools, Preschools And Community Education

GEORGE TOWN, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has allocated RM2.42 million this year to the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee to strengthen education and support excellent development of the younger generation.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said RM768,901 of the total allocation would be channelled to 28 Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT) through their Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to maintain conducive learning facilities.

He said RM194,400 would go to 11 SJKT preschools to support early childhood education, while RM1,336,699 would be allocated to the Penang Education Council (PEC) to enhance digital infrastructure and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills.

“Another RM120,000 will be distributed to three Punjabi Education Centres, with RM40,000 each, and RM30,000 to the Telugu Association, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive education,” he said at the contribution presentation ceremony at Komtar here today.

Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo; Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who is also the state Housing and Environment Committee chairman; Bagan Dalam state assemblyman K. Kumaran; and Batu Uban state assemblyman A. Kumaresan.

Chow said the state is monitoring the construction of new buildings for SJKT Rajaji here and SJKT Ladang Byram in Nibong Tebal.

He reaffirmed the state’s continued commitment to advocating the establishment of Malaysia’s first Tamil secondary school as part of efforts to expand access to education for the community.

Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said part of the allocation would also fund several new initiatives, including the provision of free desks and chairs for all SJKT as well as stress management camps for headmasters and senior assistants.

He said the committee also aims to provide prayer rooms in all 28 SJKT in Penang this year, with four schools having already implemented the initiative to cater to religious practices. 

“In addition, we are focusing on organising the Penang Tamil Schools Annual Sports to promote a healthy lifestyle and sportsmanship among pupils, alongside the implementation of Bahasa Malaysia camps to strengthen proficiency in the national language,” he added.

-- BERNAMA