PTA urges govt to reconsider closure of Batu Pahat Permata Centre

The Batu Pahat Pusat Permata Negara (PAPN) Parent-Teacher Association has urged the government to reconsider its plan to close down the centre for fear of disrupting the learning process of the students.

Its chairman, Mohd Aris Mohyi said even if the government needed to carry on with the plan, a new location should be sought to relocate the centre.

"So far, 33 children are undergoing studies here and we''re worried that their learning process would be disrupted once it (the centre) is closed.

"In addition, it is not easy for the children to adjust themselves when they are being transferred to a new school," he told reporters after holding a peaceful protest on the closure here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Permata Division of the Prime Minister's Department under secretary Datuk Saidatu Akhma Hassan said the division had informed the Johor Government on the closure in a letter dated March 28, and asked the state secretary to identify any government premises to be turned into a new location.

"Permata does not have the authority to take over any premises without approval from the state government.

"If the state government agrees to offer a premises, Permata also needs to carry out renovation and upgrading works. This might take a long time," she said. - BERNAMA