After 13 years of anticipation, the long-held dream of SJKT Ladang Effingham in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to move into a new school building has finally become a reality. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh affirmed that all necessary support will be provided to the school in phases, emphasizing that safeguarding and uplifting all schools remains a central commitment of the Madani government.
“National schools, along with Tamil and Chinese schools, are all integral parts of our education system under the current government. Both the Minister of Education and the administration have reaffirmed their commitment to this principle. It is a clear reflection of our pledge to uphold and enhance the quality of education in the country,” he said.
Wong Kah Woh officially inaugurated the school’s new building. After the ceremony, Wong toured the school and pledged RM70,000 in funding to support repair works for cracks that have developed in the old building.
Construction of a new block at SJKT Ladang Effingham began in 2014, funded through a special allocation by the former Prime Minister for the development of Tamil schools. School Management Board Chairman Thanabalan Kuppusamy explained that by 2018, 95% of the construction had been completed; however, the remaining 5% was stalled due to unresolved land issues.
“We faced land ownership issues for the school between 2015 and 2018. Subsequently, from 2020 to 2024, we encountered complications in obtaining the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) from the city council. However, with the support of the Madani government, all these issues have now been successfully resolved,” said Thanabalan Kuppusamy.
Thanabalan expressed his hope that the new building would significantly improve the quality of education at SJKT Ladang Effingham while also creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for both teachers and students.
The successful completion and inauguration of the new building at SJKT Ladang Effingham mark a significant milestone in the school’s journey, reflecting years of perseverance, community support, and government commitment. With longstanding challenges now resolved, the school is poised to offer its students and teachers an improved educational environment—one that aligns with the nation’s broader vision for inclusive and high-quality education. This achievement not only brings renewed hope to the Tamil school community but also stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved through collaboration and sustained support.
Source: Bernama
