Penang Channelled RM141.89 Mln To Chinese, Mission Schools Since 2009

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has channelled RM141.89 million to Chinese and mission schools in the state from 2009 to 2025 as part of its ongoing initiative to help improve educational facilities.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that although education is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Federal Government, the state government is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety and welfare of school staff continue to be protected.

"This year, the state government allocated over RM8 million for Chinese and mission schools. We started this initiative in 2009 to assist schools in carrying out critical repair works, especially those involving the safety of students and educators.

"This allocation encompasses repair works, such as damaged roofs, outdated wiring and dilapidated toilets, as well as other facilities that can affect safety if not addressed immediately. Such efforts are vital to ensuring a safe, comfortable and conducive learning environment,” he said. 

He told reporters this after the mock cheque presentation of the state government's allocation to mission schools for 2026 at Komtar today.

Chow said that after nearly 17 years of its implementation, the state government could see significant improvements in the physical condition of schools that received the aid.

He said that in line with current development, the state government has, over the past two years, begun considering applications for modern learning facilities, such as computers, smart boards and innovation labs (makers lab).

He said the state government has approved an allocation of RM845,000 for 16 mission schools this year after a thorough evaluation process by the Chinese and Mission Schools Affairs Coordination Committee, including site visits by area state assemblymen and relevant committee members, based on the priority of the scope of work.

"Of the total, RM525,000 or 62.3 per cent was allocated specifically for school infrastructure repair and upgrading works, while RM285,000, or nearly one third of the total allocation, was approved for the installation of smartboards in mission schools, in line with the needs of 21st century learning and the education digitalisation agenda,” he said.

-- BERNAMA