IPOH (May 2, 2012): The RM1 million annual subsidy by the state government to almost 200 Chinese and Tamil Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJKC) and (SJKT) in Perak for their utilities bills proves the government's concern for their welfare.
The principals of the SJKC and SJKT remarked that the aid has once and for all laid to rest criticisms and claims that vernacular schools have been neglected by the Barisan Nasional state government.
This is the third consecutive year the assistance has been given to the schools to help with their utilities bills. The schools are allowed to use any remainder from the aid to buy necessary equipment or conduct value added educational programmes.
SJKT Ladang Jenderata 1, Teluk Intan headmistress M. Susela said her school received RM660 for the first half of this year.
"Our burden is eased greatly with this subsidy. We thank the government for it," Susela told Bernama recently.
Prior to this, the state Health, Local Government, Consumer Affairs, Environment, Public Transport and Non-Muslim Affairs Committee chairman Dr Mah Hang Soon had officiated at a subsidy distribution ceremony here.
Susela added that without the subsidy the school had to depend on the Percapita Grant Aid from the Education Ministry, which indirectly affected their educational programmes.
Meanwhile, SJKC Pei Yuan, Kampar, headmaster Wong Pak Koon said the aid, which they have been receiving from 2010, not only helped with utilities bills but the balance from last year had gone to purchase additional chairs, tables, other equipment and educational programmes for the pupils.
He thanked the government for easing the school's expenses.
SJKT Ladang Rubana, Teluk Intan, headmaster A. Sugumaran said apart from paying for utilities the money was also used for educational programs. "Before the subsidy, some of our expenses were borne by the plantation management.
We are grateful for the government's help, it has benefited us a great deal," he said.
SJKC Yeong Hwa, Lenggong, headmaster Chew Si Kew expressed his gratitude for the subsidy and said it brought joy to the staff, pupils and parents.
Dr Mah said the BN government would continue providing the aid and RM1 million would be allocated annually for the purpose.
"196 schools received RM500,000 in total during this ceremony for the first half of this year. The subsidy for the next half will be given in September," he said.
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