Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has assured the Indian community that no Tamil national-type school (SJKT) will be closed under the Madani Government, as construction begins on the long-awaited new building for SJKT Sungai Bakap.
The replacement school project worth RM12.6 million is finally moving forward after facing delays for nearly 17 years.
YB Fadhlina said there were still concerns within the community that some Tamil schools could be closed. She stressed that instead of shutting down SJKTs, the government would continue focusing on their development, maintenance and programmes to strengthen teachers and pupils.
“We give an assurance that under the Madani Government, no SJKT will be closed,” she said.
New School After Years of Waiting
YB Fadhlina, who is also the Nibong Tebal MP, gave the assurance after witnessing the groundbreaking ceremony and the handover of the letter of acceptance for the new SJKT Sungai Bakap building.
The project will be carried out by Yayasan Didik Negara and monitored by the Penang Education Department. Construction is expected to be completed within 56 weeks. The new school will be built around 2KM from it’s current location and will include 6 rooms, special-purpose rooms and other facilities.
YB Fadhlina said the new building would provide better and more complete education facilities for children in the Sungai Bakap area. She also apologised to parent, teachers and pupils for having to wait so long for the project to become a reality.
The project had been delayed since 2009 due to several issues, including financial and implementation problems, land matters, contractor delays and legal proceedings.
More SJKT Development Planned in Penang
Penang Special Committee chairman for Tamil schools Datuk Seri S.Sundarajoo said the current SJKT Sungai Bakap building which serves more than 100 pupils, is in poor condition. He is also the state Housing and Environment Executive Councillor, said the Penang government is targeting the development of 3 SJKT building this year.
SJKT Sungai Bakap is the second school to move forward, wile construction work for SJKT Juru is expected to begin before the end of the year.
After almost 17 years of waiting, the start of construction is an important step for the SJKT Sungai Bakap community and it’s pupils, who are now closer to having a safer and better learning environment.
Sources: MalayMail
