The RM50 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the maintenance of National-Type Tamil Schools (SJKTs) nationwide is expected to significantly benefit 28 Tamil schools in Penang, strengthening infrastructure, learning facilities and student development programs.
Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said the funds would be distributed based on the actual needs of each school. In line with the state’s practice since 2008, the allocation will not be given in cash but channeled directly into approved development and maintenance works.
He explained that the federal funding will complement ongoing efforts to upgrade school infrastructure, improve learning environments, and support student development initiatives, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs, and robotics education. These initiatives aim to equip students with future-ready skills while enhancing overall education quality.
In addition to federal support, the Penang state government has allocated RM2.42 million for 2025 to assist SJKTs. This funding has been used for classroom upgrades, including new whiteboards, smartboards, smart televisions, and other digital fasciitis. Sundarajoo expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for increasing the SJKT allocation from RM30 million last year to RM50 million this year, describing it as a meaningful show of concern for Tamil schools.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the announcement, noting that the increased allocation is particularly important for vernacular schools that have long required sustained assistance to upgrade basic facilities and improve learning environments. He said Penang’s experience over nearly two decades shows that continuous funding has enabled many SJKTs to enhance infrastructure, although challenges such as land ownership issues remain.
Chow also highlighted that the allocation carries deeper significance for the Indian community as it recognizes the role and contribution of Tamil schools within Malaysia’s national education system.
Earlier, Chow also celebrated the achievements of 4 SJKT students from Penang who won over 80 medals at the World Robot Games (WRG) 2025 in Taipei, underscoring the growing impact of sustained investments in STEM education.
Sources: Bernama
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