The Penang state government is taking steps to ensure that all 28 Tamil schools in the state will eventually gain full ownership of their land. This initiative aims to strengthen the long-term future of vernacular education in the region.
Dato’ Seri Sundarajoo Somu, the State Housing and Environment Committee chairman, stated that the initiative focuses on resolving long-standing land issues faced by Tamil schools, many of which were originally built on estate or leased land. A special committee has been formed to address the affairs of Tamil schools, and it has already successfully secured land for five schools, with more anticipated in the coming years.
The goal is for every Tamil school in Penang to achieve secure and permanent land ownership. This will facilitate easier upgrades to infrastructure, expansion of facilities, and smoother development planning. Several school redevelopment projects are already in progress, including relocation efforts and new building construction.
Recently, the state allocated a 2.3-acre site for the relocation project of SJKT Rajaji, with the new school building to be constructed through a developer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution.
The state government views this effort as a significant milestone for Tamil education in Penang, as it aims to provide stability and ensure that schools are not impacted by uncertainties related to land ownership in the future.
Source: MalayMail
