Latest news with #Penang2030
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang allocated RM30 mln to Tamil schools, Punjabi education centres
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has allocated more than RM30 million to Tamil national-type schools (SJKT), kindergartens, and Punjabi education centres since 2009. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that RM2.42 million was distributed this year alone, demonstrating the state's dedication to equitable education under the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia MADANI principles. Chow explained that RM1.78 million was allocated to SJKTs through Parent-Teacher Associations, RM268,100 to 14 Tamil kindergartens, and RM40,000 each to three Punjabi education centres. 'For the past 16 years, the Penang government has consistently provided financial aid to these institutions. While the amount may not be large, it reflects our genuine concern in supporting Tamil education, especially for minor repairs,' he said. Speaking after presenting mock cheques to 28 SJKTs and Punjabi education centres at Komtar, Chow emphasised that the funding supports both infrastructure upgrades and the sustainability of vernacular education. State Housing and Environment Exco Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who chairs the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee, also attended the event. Sundarajoo highlighted the progress in Tamil schools, noting that all 28 institutions now have smart boards and complete IT infrastructure. 'The state government's commitment has significantly improved facilities, ensuring students receive quality education,' he said. - Bernama
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang allocated over RM30 mln to Tamil schools, Punjabi education centres
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has allocated more than RM30 million to Tamil national-type schools (SJKT), kindergartens, and Punjabi education centres since 2009. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that RM2.42 million was distributed this year alone, demonstrating the state's dedication to equitable education under the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia MADANI principles. Chow explained that RM1.78 million was allocated to SJKTs through Parent-Teacher Associations, RM268,100 to 14 Tamil kindergartens, and RM40,000 each to three Punjabi education centres. 'For the past 16 years, the Penang government has consistently provided financial aid to these institutions. While the amount may not be large, it reflects our genuine concern in supporting Tamil education, especially for minor repairs,' he said. Speaking after presenting mock cheques to 28 SJKTs and Punjabi education centres at Komtar, Chow emphasised that the funding supports both infrastructure upgrades and the sustainability of vernacular education. State Housing and Environment Exco Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who chairs the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee, also attended the event. Sundarajoo highlighted the progress in Tamil schools, noting that all 28 institutions now have smart boards and complete IT infrastructure. 'The state government's commitment has significantly improved facilities, ensuring students receive quality education,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Penang Allocated Over RM30 Mln To Tamil Schools, Punjabi Education Centres
GEORGE TOWN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has approved over RM30 million in allocations to Tamil national-type schools (SJKT), kindergartens and Punjabi education centres statewide since 2009. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this includes RM2.42 million disbursed this year alone, reflecting the state's commitment to strengthening Penang's education ecosystem equitably and inclusively, in line with the Penang2030 vision and Malaysia MADANI values. He said, of the total, RM1.78 million was channelled to SJKTs via Parent-Teacher Associations, RM268,100 to 14 Tamil school-affiliated kindergartens, and RM40,000 each to three Punjabi education centres. 'For the past 16 years, the Penang government has consistently provided special financial assistance to SJKTs and Punjabi education centres. 'While the amount may not be large, it reflects the state's genuine concern in supporting Tamil education institutions, particularly in addressing funding challenges for small- to medium-scale repairs,' he said. Speaking to reporters after presenting mock cheques to 28 SJKTs and Punjabi Education Centres at Komtar today, Chow said the allocations were not only for upgrading physical facilities but also to sustain and strengthen vernacular education in the state. Also present at the event was State Housing and Environment Exco Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, who also chairs the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee. Chow noted that the numerous infrastructure upgrades and educational programmes have helped produce not only academically excellent students but also disciplined and competitive individuals. Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said the state government's firm commitment has led to significant progress in Tamil schools, particularly in infrastructure, with most schools now equipped with basic facilities.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Only Local Indian Traders Allowed To Trade At Carnivals During The Deepavali Season
GEORGE TOWN, July 21 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has set specific guidelines ensuring that only Indian traders from the state are permitted to participate in sales carnivals held during the Deepavali festive season. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move aims to safeguard the interests of local traders. He said the policy, introduced five years ago, followed numerous complaints from local Indian business owners and the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PICCI), expressing concerns over the influx of foreign traders, including those from abroad, who offer products at cheaper prices. "The main reason is that local traders live and operate here throughout the year. They bear ongoing costs such as rent, taxes and salaries to their employees, but the business is not always profitable every month. Many of them rely on festive seasons, like Deepavali, to earn a better income. "So during peak seasons such as Deepavali, only local traders are allowed to apply to operate at sales carnivals, fiestas or similar events because we want to protect their interests," he said during a press conference on the Penang 2030 short video series at Komtar here today. Chow said this in response to a newspaper report regarding the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) enforcement action in issuing summonses to traders at an Indian community business carnival in Bukit Mertajam, near here. A video on the incident went viral on social media. Chow clarified, however, that foreign traders are still allowed to conduct business or organise carnivals outside the peak Deepavali festive season. He also acknowledged that there have been attempts to bypass the policy by applying for permits under the names of local individuals, while the actual business operations are carried out by foreign traders. 'This is a common tactic—permits are applied for using the names of locals, but in reality, it's foreigners who run the stalls and supply the goods. This practice puts undue pressure on our local traders,' he said.
The Star
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Thousands enjoy a day in the kampung
Family fun: Visitors taking in the sights and sounds of the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025 in Kampung Agong, Penaga. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star KEPALA BATAS: Thousands of visitors flocked to the Penang2030 Festival X Seberang Perai Heritage Day 2025. Despite the sweltering heat, many families, including those with young children, turned up in high spirits to take part in the festivities held at Kampung Agong in Penaga yesterday. Mohd Hilfy Hizir, 35, travelled from Penang Island with his wife and two children to experience the celebration for the first time. 'I have been here several times, but this is our first time joining in the celebration. It's worth the drive,' said the private company executive. 'My children enjoyed themselves and it's great to see culture celebrated in such a lively way.' Another parent, 41-year-old Nurfarazila Radzi, said she did not want to miss the festival as it offered her children a valuable opportunity to experience cross-cultural traditions and get a glimpse of authentic kampung life. 'Events like this remind our children where we come from. They spend so much time with gadgets these days. It's nice to bring them back to nature and our roots,' she said. Her children had a good time trying out traditional games like congkak and kite-flying at the padi field. Cassidy Jitien, 38, a civil servant, said it was his first time visiting Kampung Agong and described the experience as refreshing. 'It's peaceful and nostalgic. You don't get to see scenes like this in the city,' he said, referring to the padi field, wooden houses and kids running barefoot. Cassidy, who brought along his three young daughters, said it was also a meaningful way for his family to unwind and reconnect with their cultural roots. Originally from Sarawak, Cassidy shared that the kampung setting reminded him of his childhood days in rural Borneo. 'This kind of environment brings back memories of my grandparents' village. 'I want my daughters to appreciate these traditions and not grow up thinking that culture only exists in books or museums,' he added. Among the activities were traditional performances and workshops such as batik painting, silat and wayang kulit, as well as traditional games like sepak raga bulatan. The festival also featured traditional food stalls and a handicraft market – all reflecting the diverse heritage of Seberang Perai. The event combines the annual Penang2030 celebration with Seberang Perai Heritage Day. It is a collaboration between the Chief Minister's Office, Seberang Perai City Council, Penang Island City Council, Tech Dome Penang and Penang Green Council.
