School’s power woes resolved
THE 114-year-old iconic boys’ school, St John’s Institution has settled its outstanding RM190,000 electricity bill in full to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
St John’s Institution Alumni Association (SJAA) president Isham Ishak said the association, on behalf of the school, made a final payment of RM88,690 to TNB on Monday.
“We have notified TNB KL of the settlement. A full settlement confirmation by TNB will be issued in due time.
“The school will no longer owe TNB any payments. We will start afresh as we look forward to uplift our beloved alma mater,” he said.
Isham noted that SJAA was thankful for the help it received from fellow Johannians, the school’s board of governors and the public who generously contributed to the #SAVESJI Fund that was set up on Aug 20.
“Our utmost appreciation goes to the alumni, public and the media for galvanising these efforts to help St John’s Institution.
“The bulk of the donations came from the alumni who contributed 75% of the RM190,000 bill. The public made up 5% of the contribution and the balance 20% came from the board of governors.
“We are glad this long-standing problem has been solved amicably in the best interest of the school and our fellow Johannians,” he told The Star when contacted.
The school, located in Bukit Nanas, went dark in August when its electricity was disconnected following its inability to pay its outstanding bill of RM245,348.54.
After a meeting between Isham and the power supplier, TNB waived the RM55,000 in interest - bringing the total bill to about RM190,000.
From the total of RM190,000 owed, it was proposed that the school pay RM50,000 by the end of August while the outstanding balance would be paid over the next three years in instalments on top of the school’s monthly bills.
St John’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Datuk Azaddin Abdul Aziz said he was relieved that the decade long electricity bill backlog was cleared thanks to students, SJAA, the PTA and the school’s board of governors who have “assisted in every way” they could.
“All related parties played a vital role in sorting the issue quickly,” he said, adding that he was pleased how Johannians acted qucikly to save the school.
To prevent the issue from reccurring, Azaddin who is also SJAA vice president, said the school’s PTA have taken measures to run an electricity saving campaign.
“We are also in talks with TNB to instal solar panels on our roof. They will be fully sponsored by TNB,” he said.