Penang: The RM50 million allocation for the maintenance of National-Type Tamil Schools (SJKT) nationwide, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to benefit 28 SJKTs in Penang. Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee Chairman, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, stated that the distribution of funds will be based on the actual needs of the schools, consistent with state practices since 2008, ensuring the aid is not given in cash.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the federal funds, alongside allocations from the state government, will enhance infrastructure, learning facilities, and student development programs, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and robotics classes. The Penang State Government has allocated RM2.42 million for 2025 to support SJKTs, focusing on classroom upgrades with new whiteboards, smart boards, smart televisions, and other digital amenities.
Sundarajoo, also the state Housing and Environment Exco, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the increased RM50 million maintenance fund this year, up from RM30 million last year. Anwar, in his New Year message at the Prime Minister Department's monthly assembly, announced increased allocations for National-Type Chinese Schools (SJKC) to RM80 million from RM50 million last year, alongside the RM50 million for SJKTs.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, welcoming the announcement, remarked on the significance of the increase, particularly for vernacular schools needing upgraded basic facilities and improved learning environments. He noted that continuous funding is crucial for upgrading basic facilities, equipment, furniture, and educational materials.
Chow highlighted that since Penang began channeling funds to SJKTs nearly two decades ago, the schools have seen significant facility upgrades, although challenges like land ownership persist. He emphasized that the allocation for SJKTs symbolizes recognition of Tamil schools' contributions to the national education system.
Earlier, Chow celebrated 24 SJKTs students guided by Syscore Academy who won over 80 medals across nine major categories at the World Robot Games (WRG) 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, from November 25 to December 1 last year. WRG is a prominent global robotics and STEM platform with over 1,000 participants from 10 countries, including Malaysia.