956 non-Islamic bodies to get RM35 mln grants

KOTA KINABALU: Nine hundred and fifty-six non-Islamic schools and bodies will be receiving grants amounting to a total of RM35 million from the State Government this year.

Assistant Finance Minister Kenny Chua, said, this year's figure saw a very significant increase as the number of schools and bodies had doubled up to 100 per cent – achieving a new record for the annual grant.

Speaking at a press conference here yesterday, Chua disclosed that the grants - which seek to provide financial assistance to non-Islamic schools and bodies (such as mission schools, churches and temples) – had been opened for application since January this year.

“The State Government achieved a new record in the approval of grants for this year, as a total of 291 schools will be receiving the grant compared to previous year where only 275 schools had benefited from it. Meanwhile, a total of 665 non-Islamic bodies will be receiving the grants this year compared to last year, where only 279 non-Islamic bodies had benefited from it,” said Chua.

He said the growth indicated that non-Islamic schools and bodies in the state had responded well to the initiative taken by the State Government.

“In this regard, the total amount of the special grant will remain at RM35 million,” added Chua, who is also the chairman of the committee tasked to evaluate the applications.

Among those present at the press conference were Assistant Education and Innovation Minister Jenifer Lasimbang, and Assistant Law and Native Affairs Minister Jannie Lasimbang, who are both members of the said committee.

The presentation of the grants would be divided into five separate ceremonies, held at the five main divisions of the state, namely, Kota Kinabalu (October 18), Tenom (October 22), Kudat (October 24), Sandakan (October 29) and Tawau (October 30).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal is expected to officiate at the ceremony in Kota Kinabalu.