Putrajaya cuts red tape for school relocations, new construction

BAYAN LEPAS: The Malaysian government under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has simplified procedures for relocating and constructing new schools, particularly when land matters have been resolved and there is a demand, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh announced. Wong emphasized that the Education Ministry expedites approvals, especially for government-aided institutions, once all necessary paperwork is completed.

The ministry is committed to providing equitable support for all types of schools, including national, religious, Chinese, and Tamil institutions.

Wong showcased the Madani government's streamlined processes during the groundbreaking ceremony for SJK(C) Heng Ee. He met with the school's board of governors chairman, Tan Sri Alex Ooi, in August 2024. The relocation permit for the school was granted in June 2023, followed by the building approval from Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek several months later.

Wong highlighted that the government, under Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, has included Chinese primary school projects in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) budget for two consecutive years. This includes relocating SJK(C) Aik Hua from Taiping to Ipoh in the 2026 Budget and establishing a new school, SJK(C) Bandar Mahkota Cheras in Selangor, in the 2027 Budget.

The construction of SJK(C) Heng Ee is set to commence on Monday and is projected to take 15 months, with completion anticipated in the first quarter of 2028. After acquiring the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and fulfilling the ministry's operational preparations, the school aims to commence classes around September 2028, following the summer break.

The original site in George Town was deemed less suitable, resulting in enrollment dropping to approximately 130 pupils. The new location, adjacent to SMJK Heng Ee on land approved by the state government in 2013, will accommodate 18 classrooms, catering to 540 students seated at 30 per class or up to 630 students at 35 per class.

The ministry has no reservations in approving Phase 2 or 3 expansions or two sessions if enrollment exceeds 1,000 pupils. Wong assured that the ministry poses no objections to approving such expansions. He also stated that having primary and secondary schools side by side would be ideal for parents. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony.

Ooi expressed that the new site marked a significant milestone, transforming years of anticipation into reality. He envisioned a school rooted in Penang, preparing students to excel on the global stage. Ooi acknowledged the support from the federal and state governments, elected representatives, donors, alumni, parents, and teachers.

He appealed to the public and the corporate sector to continue contributing and pledged that the board would manage every sen with integrity and transparency.