SJK(T) Ladang Kinrara is one of the oldest school in Malaysia. Built and having begun operations in 1946, well before Malaysia’s independence, SJK(T) Ladang Kinrara stands as one of the oldest Tamil schools in Puchong, which caters many students from the B40 group and holds a significant historical landmark in the country. However, this storied institution now faces a threat of partial demolition.
In March 2024, the school received a letter from the developer of a new condominium , Vierra Residence. Which is situated just adjacent to the school. The developers of a new condo next to the school have asked 3,000 square feet of the school’s compound to enlarge the present roadway that divides the two structures. If this transition takes place, many essential building including the school’s canteen, music room and kindergarten, would be demolished, affecting the 700 students who rely on these facilities.
The management of SJK (T) Ladang Kinrara, expressed their concerns over a video, which was posted is feared to complicate ongoing efforts to resolve a dispute with a developer concerning the handover of parts of the school compound for an condo project. Once the school received the letter, they replied on 7th March saying they would not agree to handover the land of the school.
According to FMT, a board member of SJK(T) Ladang Kinrara, Soman Babu highlighted the issue, noting that the video has sparked a wave of reactions. “When this video with old information was posted, many parties began commenting, posting videos, holding press conferences, and planning demonstrations.”
The outdated video has not only attracted public attention but also seemingly offended the (DBKL), as indicated in their recent press statement. This could potentially delay the resolution process or result in an unfavorable decision from DBKL, which had been working towards a solution.
The “Save Kinrara Tamil School Action Team”, an independent group, not affiliated with the school board, has been active in finding for a reasonable solution.
DBKL has been actively involved in seeking a resolution. In their latest statement, they mentioned that the land and mines department and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MBSJ) have been instructed to identify suitable areas to relocate parts of the school. This decision was made during a meeting on June 7, chaired by federal territories minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa and attended by notable representatives, including Batu MP P Prabakaran, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han, and representatives from the school, Hindu temple, government agencies, and relevant DBKL departments.
The situation remains delicate, with the school board urging all parties to rely on official sources for accurate updates. The resolution of this dispute is crucial for the well-being of the school community and the smooth continuation of their educational activities.
The dispute has brought together members of the school board, parents, and authorities, yet the resolution remains uncertain. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges Tamil schools in Malaysia face, even as they strive to continue their crucial mission of educating children.
For more information, here’s the TikTok page of SJK (T) Kinrara: https://www.tiktok.com/@srjkt.kinrara?_t=8nl7MudyHoa&_r=1
Sources: FMT , Wiki Impact
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