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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee Chairman, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, stated that the funds will be distributed based on the actual needs of the schools. In line with state practice since 2008, the aid will not be provided in the form of cash.
“In addition to the allocations provided by the state government, federal government funds will be used to upgrade infrastructure, learning facilities, and student development programmes, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes and robotics classes,” Sundarajoo mentioned. He revealed this after the Appreciation Ceremony for Malaysian Student Winners at the World Robot Games (WRG) 2025, which was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Sundarajoo, who also serves as the state Housing and Environment Exco, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for increasing the maintenance allocation to RM50 million this year, compared to RM30 million last year. The Prime Minister also announced an increase in allocations for National-Type Chinese Schools (SJKC) to RM80 million from RM50 million last year.
Chow Kon Yeow welcomed the announcement, highlighting its significance for vernacular schools that have long needed assistance for upgrading facilities and improving learning environments. He noted that Penang’s experience since 2008 shows SJKTs require continuous funding for basic facilities, equipment, and teaching materials. Despite successful upgrades, issues such as land ownership status persist.
Chow emphasized that the allocation for SJKTs is a recognition of the role and contribution of Tamil schools in the national education system. Earlier, he celebrated 24 students from SJKTs who secured over 80 medals at WRG 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, under the guidance of Syscore Academy. WRG is a major robotics and STEM platform with over 1,000 participants from 10 countries.