Yong peng: The Johor state government has announced an allocation of nearly RM17 million to support the Chinese community in conjunction with this year's Chinese New Year. This funding will cover various sectors including education, culture, development, and festive activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi detailed the allocation plan, which includes RM1 million for Southern University College (SUC), RM3.27 million for 10 Chinese independent secondary schools, and RM1.3 million for 219 national-type Chinese schools (SJKC). The funds for schools are intended to enhance teachers' facilities and support parent-teacher associations (PIBG).

The allocation also designates RM1.5 million for the Maju Johor lion dance programme and RM2 million for non-Muslim houses of worship and Tiong Hua non-governmental organisations. Additionally, RM3 million will be distributed through Bantuan Kasih Johor for Chinese new villages.

Onn Hafiz announced an additional RM4.36 million to support programmes related to the celebrations, including the distribution of ang pow. He noted that this is the highest allocation by the state government in recent years, a result of improving economic performance and state revenue, bolstered by investments connected to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

Onn Hafiz emphasized the state government's commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all communities, regardless of race or religion, and to strengthening unity through the spirit of Bangsa Johor.