RM652 mln approved for upgrading, maintenance of schools in 2019
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved a sum of RM652 million to schools for upgrading and maintenance purposes in the budget next year, said Education Minister, Dr. Maszlee Malik.
Of the sum, he said, RM50 million was allocated to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC), RM50 million to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT), RM50 million to mission schools, RM15 million to conforming schools or Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) and RM12 million to Sekolah Menengah Persendirian Cina (SMPC).
Maszlee added that the Finance Ministry has approved a sum of RM150 million last year to fund the maintenance of SJKC, SJKT, mission schools and conforming schools.
He said this in response to Senator Datuk Yong Wui Chung’s question on whether the government would continue its annual allocation for SJKC and SJKT next year during the Dewan Negara sitting here.
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Local Government, Zuraida binti Kamaruddin, said, the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PR1MA) policy was reviewed and updated from time to time to ensure the project met the needs of the targeted groups.
She said the National PR1MA Registration System served as a guideline to determine the needs and challenges that hinder applicants from achieving home ownership, and subsequently identify suitable policies to assist them.
One of the initiatives introduced was Flexible Financing Scheme (SPEF) to help buyers secure a higher financing amount compared to conventional financing, she said, when replying to Yong’s question on the effectiveness of PR1MA and whether the ministry would continue with the project.
Zuraida said PR1MA aimed to provide home ownership to the middle 40 percent (M40) income group.
“PR1MA gives the target group an option to own a home at a price of 20 percent lower than the market price. As a result, private developers also offer their products at competitive prices to compete with PR1MA housing,” she said.
She went on to say that Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia was set up under the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Act 2012 (Act 739) and added that her ministry would carry out due diligence on 1Malaysia People’s Housing Act 2012 by appointing an independent auditor.
Nonetheless, Zuraida said, PR1MA would continue to operate in accordance with Act 739.
“The Ministry will also ensure all PR1MA projects abide to existing laws and were in line with the national housing agenda to benefit the people.”