GEORGE TOWN, Nov 7 — The Penang State Government is committed to ensuring that all 28 Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) in the state secure their respective land titles, as part of efforts to strengthen educational facilities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said as of June, land titles had been successfully secured for five schools, with plans to secure titles for another five within the next two to three years.
“In its efforts to strengthen educational facilities, the state government is also committed to ensuring that all 28 SJKT in Penang secure their respective land titles.
“One of the commitments fulfilled by the state government is the provision of a 2.368-acre site for the relocation project of SJKT Rajaji in Air Itam,” he said in a message delivered in conjunction with the Deepavali 2026 celebrations today.
Chow noted that the state government is also focusing on the development of Tamil-medium education, including initiatives to enhance digital skills and broaden students’ exposure to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Chow mentioned that in April, a total of RM2.42 million was allocated for the development of Tamil-medium schools in Penang. Of this amount, RM1.34 million was channelled through the Penang Education Council (PEC) to strengthen digital infrastructure and STEM competencies.
He added that RM768,901 was distributed to the 28 SJKTs via their respective Parent-Teacher Associations (PIBG) for the maintenance and improvement of learning facilities while RM194,400 was allocated to 11 kindergartens located within SJKT premises to support early childhood education.
Furthermore, Chow emphasised that educational progress must go hand in hand with efforts to preserve language and culture citing, for instance, the ‘Free Tamil Language Class’ initiative organised by the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) of Lebuh Pasar.
He expressed hope that more such initiatives would be implemented to ensure that linguistic and cultural heritage continues to be preserved among the younger generation.
Meanwhile, Chow said the state government will continue to collaborate with the federal government, educational institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector to expand opportunities for inclusive development through the Madani Budget. 2027.
He said these efforts include support through the National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), and the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra), specifically aimed at empowering small-scale entrepreneurs and youths of Indian descent.
“Indeed, meaningful development is one which creates opportunities, enhances well-being, and ensures that every community can enjoy the benefits of the state’s progress,” he said.
He also expressed hope that this year’s Deepavali celebration would foster a spirit of goodwill and strengthen societal unity for the sake of a better future for Penang.
He added that the diversity of races, religions, languages, and cultures in Penang serves as a strength that unites the community in building a shared future. — Bernama
