No SJKT will be closed, assures Fadhlina

Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has assured that no national-type Tamil school (SJKT) will be closed down. She made the statement to dispel persistent misperceptions in the community that certain SJKTs would be shut down. The Madani government, under her leadership, promises to support all schools for development, maintenance, and programs to strengthen teachers and students.

Fadhlina highlighted the importance of the new RM12.6 million SJKT Sungai Bakap school building. The 56-week project, carried out by Yayasan Didik Negara (YDN) with oversight from the Penang State Education Department, aims to comprehensively meet the needs of local children. Fadhlina expressed gratitude for the support of parents, teachers, and community leaders in the project.

The chairman of the Penang Special Committee on Tamil Schools, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo, explained that the construction had faced delays due to land matters, contractor issues, and court cases. These issues have now been resolved. The new building, which currently houses over 100 pupils, is urgently needed as the existing structure is dilapidated.

Sundarajoo, who is also the state Housing and Environment Committee chairman, noted that development is targeted for completion within 56 weeks. Foundation work, a time-intensive aspect, has already begun, followed by the main structure. The state government aims to construct three SJKT buildings this year, with SJKT Juru's construction expected to commence before the year's end.