RM565 million allocated by govt for SJKC since 2009 - Wee

The government had allocated RM565 million under the Economic Stimulus Package in aid to National-Type Chinese Primary Schools (SJKC) since 2009.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said there are 1,298 SJKC nationwide, including 884 government aided (SBK) SJKC which have benefited from the financial assistance.

"In Johor, from 2009 to 2016, the overall aid received by government-aided SJKC was RM69.1 million, which mainly focused on the maintenance of school infrastructure.

"The government is giving priority to school buildings that need to be repaired, especially involving maintenance to ensure the comfort of students attending these schools," he told reporters after a cheque presentation ceremony by the Education Ministry for government assisted SJKC in Johor, here Sunday.

At the event, 122 government-aided SJKC received RM7.17 million while 89 SJKC received an additional allocation of RM2 million for the year 2016.

According to Wee, these allocations constitute solid proof that the government is concerned to help the community, especially the Chinese community.

Meanwhile, he urged school board and school authorities who want to use the allocation to submit reports to the Education Ministry within three months.

The report is important because it is necessary to assess the amount required by each school. -- Bernama