21 mission schools get million ringgit boost from Penang govt

Penang CM Lim Guan Eng with representatives of 21 mission schools at a ceremony to hand over some RM1 million in funds.

GEORGE TOWN: Twenty-one missions schools in Penang today got a RM1 million boost from the state government to upgrade their facilities.

Each school received between RM10,000 and RM80,000, with SMK (L) Methodist in George Town and SMK Convent in Butterworth getting the highest amounts of RM80,000.

Penang exco member Chong Eng, who chairs the Chinese and Mission Schools Affairs coordination committee, said this year marks the 10th year the state has been contributing to mission schools, adding that they had been neglected by the federal government.

At a ceremony attended by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Chong said many mission schools were built either at the end of the 19th century or the early 20th century, but were upgraded after efforts from the school managements and Parent-Teacher Associations.

She said among the problems faced by the schools were leaking roofs, old wiring, non-functioning toilets and bad drainage systems.

“Our efforts have led to changes in the schools,” she added.

Chong said previously inactive school boards were now becoming more active to further develop the school and the welfare of the younger generation.

Chong said only three schools did not apply for the funds. They are SK Convent Butterworth, SK Assumption and SK St George in Balik Pulau. -FMT