RM31.440 milion for Sabah schools, non-Islamic religious bodies

Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said from the amount, RM14,005,000 was given to Chinese independent and mission schools as well as kindergartens, while the remaining RM17,435,000, to non-Islamic religious bodies.

He said 551 places of worship and schools in Sabah benefited from the grant.

"Today, we hand over grants amounting to RM16,832,000 for both schools and non-Islamic religious bodies from West Coast South and a total of RM1,220,000 for Lower Interior region.

"This will be followed by presentation of allocation to representatives from other regions," he said in his speech before handing over the 2017 financial assistance to representatives of 228 schools and non-Islamic religious bodies from West Coast South and Lower Interior region, here, Tuesday.

The chief minister said the state government had been able to steadily increase the annual allocation due to prudent financial management.

He said the state government would continue to assist schools and non-Islamic religious bodies aside from funding socio-economic programmes.

"The large allocation for non Islamic religious bodies is reflective of the government's commitment in upholding religious freedom," he said.

Musa hoped the schools and non Islamic religious bodies that received allocations would be able to implement programmes and activities successfully.

Since 2004, the state government had allocated more than RM333 million to schools and non-Islamic religious bodies in the state.