Education Ministry committed to streamlining school construction approvals, especially aided schools, says deputy minister

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 14 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) is dedicated to easing the approval process for school construction, particularly for government-aided schools, in order to facilitate smoother education infrastructure projects. Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh stated that the ministry would address documentation and administrative issues following the resolution of site-related matters and enrollment needs.

Wong explained during a press conference following the groundbreaking ceremony for the new SJKC Heng Ee building in Bayan Lepas that the ministry approved the school's relocation in June 2025 after meeting with the School Management Board in August 2024. The reason for the relocation was the deteriorating conditions at the original site and a decline in enrollment, with only around 130 students.

The new 18-classroom SJKC Heng Ee building is projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028, with operations expected to commence in September of that year. Wong emphasized that the new school can house between 540 and 630 students, contingent on the class size. However, the ministry would not oppose the school's submission of applications for the second and third phases if the response is positive after it begins operations.

Additionally, a two-session school day to accommodate the area's needs could be considered if enrollment surpasses 1,000 students.