34 schools, 21 non-Islamic bodies in Sandakan get aid
SANDAKAN: The State Government has allocated a total of RM34.64 million for non-Islamic religious bodies, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) kindergartens, primary and secondary schools as well as mission schools statewide this year.
A total of 554 schools and 279 non-Islamic religious bodies in Sabah benefited from the financial aid.
The allocation is an increase of RM3.208 million compared to the 2017 allocation.
According to Finance Assistant Minister Kenny Chua, the government understands the need of schools and non-Islamic religious bodies to have allocation for building and repairs of its infrastructure.
Non-Islamic religious bodies that received the allocation included churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples in Sabah.
“This allocation shows that the state government is concerned with the welfare of the schools and non-Islamic religious bodies in Sabah as it has increased its allocation despite having financial difficulties due to flawed financial management by the previous government,” Chua said.
He said the government was aware that churches in the interior areas were in a bad condition and were in desperate need of allocation to repair those buildings.
“This time, the government has also agreed to provide allocation for the constructions of houses for pastors and nuns, after their needs have long been neglected,” he said.
Chua who is also the chairman of the Financial Aid to NonIslamic Religious Bodies and Schools Committee, said this when presenting the 2018 financial aid to non-Islamic religious bodies and SJK schools for Sandakan division at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Chi Hwa Hall here, Thursday.
A total of 34 SJK primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, mission schools and private schools, as well as 21 non-Islamic religious bodies received the aid totaling RM3.795 million.
Out of the sum, RM1.92 million was allocated to non-Islamic religious bodies and RM1.875 million for the schools.
Also present were Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt and chairman of Sandakan InterChurch, Archdeacon Yong Thiam Choi and other local leaders including Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, George Hiew and Elopura assemblyman, Calvin Chong.