RM2.9 mln for new school building in Menggatal
MENGGATAL: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan has approved an allocation of RM2.9 million for the construction of a school building for SJK (C) Good Shepherd, Menggatal.
This decision was made as per the request of the school’s management board (LPS) and its Parent and Teacher Association (PTA).
“I was informed by the school management board (LPS) of SJK (C) Good Shepherd that the school would like to move to a new land, one that has been identified and approved by the state government.
“They (the school) had been trying to collect funds amounting to RM7.9 million for the past 10 years. Thus far, they managed to collect RM5 million, through the help of the public and the government,” Abdul Rahman told reporters when met at the Ang Pow Festival held at the school yesterday.
Based on his visit at the school, he said he discovered that there were some parts of the school that were in need of repair.
Abdul Rahman, who is also the minister in charge of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), disclosed that his unit has agreed to allocate the remaining RM2.9 million following a discussion.
He also asserted that the school had been around for 90 years and produced some of the state’s most prominent leaders.
“This is not just a Chinese school. 50 per cent of these students are comprised of Bumiputra students. This is why we need to help them.
“As I have mentioned before, Chinese schools have contributed so much to the community. They have produced so many engineers, teachers, doctors and many more.
“Thus, the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is committed to assist the Chinese schools of the country. This is also part of our mission to strengthen the relationship between the people and the government,” the Kota Belud MP said.
He added that the allocation will also serve as sign of gratitude to the people of Sepanggar for their support towards BN all these years.
He had also thanked Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman for giving the said land to the school.
On top of that, Abdul Rahman revealed that he will also be donating a van to the school.
It was understood that the new building would be situated just 500 metres away from the current block.
The new school will sit on a 2.5acre land and expected to increase its number of students by 20 to 30 per cent.
During the event, Abdul Rahman had also presented special aid to 43 students and distributed ang pow to all teachers, staff members and students.