Chong: Complete construction of SJKCs

PETALING JAYA: The Pakatan Harapan Government should not only complete the construction of the 10 new Chinese vernacular schools but build more SJKCs as the population increases, says Chong Sin Woon.

“Several of the new SJKCs are planned to be constructed in new development areas, to better prepare for the influx of population,” said the MCA Youth chairman in a statement yesterday.

“For instance, the rationale behind the five SJKCs planned for the state of Johor is due to the overpopulation of existing schools.

“SJKC Foon Yew (5) of Pasir Gudang alone has 3,700 students and SJKC Tiram of Ulu Tiram has about 3,000 students.

“Furthermore, new housing projects in the northeast region of Johor underscore the need to construct new schools there,” said the former deputy education minister.

Chong said DAP, who had long been advocating to institutionalise the construction of SJKCs, should use its authority to ensure the smooth construction of the 10 approved schools and build more if the need arose.

“As the Opposition, MCA will not falter in its efforts to continually monitor and urge the Government to complete the development of these schools effectively,” he said.

In October, the previous Barisan Nasional government approved the construction of 10 new SJKCs and the relocation of six SJKCs with low enrolment to high-demand areas.

In June, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik said the ministry would halt the construction of the approved SJKCs, citing current financial situation and transparency issues.

However, he said the two schools that had performed their ground-breaking ceremony could carry on with their construction.