New funding model for Penang Tamil schools

The Star

20 hours ago

Chow (fourth left) flanked by Sundarajoo on his right and Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, together with Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng (third right) and representatives from schools during the mock cheque presentation ceremony at Komtar. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
A NEW state-led funding model and targeted upgrades are being planned as Penang's Tamil schools work to stretch a RM2.42mil annual budget across 28 schools.
State Tamil schools special committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said 10% of the funds at present was kept for contingency and training programmes, while the remaining RM2.178mil would go directly to infrastructure, smart boards, equipment and building upgrades.
He said that while the Federal Government provided RM70,000 per school for toilet upgrades, with extra allocations for kindergartens, the limited funding often led to frustration.
Tamil school representatives after receiving their contribution from the state government.
'I have 28 schools under my care and many request RM200,000 to RM300,000 per school, despite knowing we cannot meet such demands,' he said.
To avoid delays, Sundarajoo introduced a new funding model for distribution of allocations based on student headcount.
'With 5,250 students statewide, we divide the RM2.178mil accordingly. But some schools have as few as 17 students and would receive only a few thousand ringgit.
'So I have to adjust the formula to slightly reduce the higher allocations and increase the lower ones,' he explained after the mock cheque presentation to Tamil schools by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at Komtar.
Representatives from Tamil primary, preschool and Punjabi schools were present at the event.
The Tamil schools received RM1,782,000, preschools RM268,100 and Punjabi schools RM120,000.
Sundarajoo said he planned to make the process simpler next year.
'Each school will get a base allocation. For example, RM50,000, and they just need to tell me how they want to use it and I'll approve it within days,' he said.
However, Sundarajoo said transparency and compliance were important.
'Some schools submit proposals for Project A but execute Project B, then submit a bill for it; that's unacceptable.'
He noted that some schools also bypassed district education offices or local authorities and hired non-state approved contractors.
'Every ringgit wasted is a ringgit robbed from the community. We want every sen to be accounted for,' he said.
In a first for Penang Tamil schools, the state is also investing in capacity building by training headmasters, assistant principals, teachers, parents and students.
'We will run grooming sessions for leadership transition among educators and hold motivational parenting workshops with prominent Tamil speakers,' Sundarajoo said.
He said land scarcity and declining enrolment remained a major challenge.
'Many schools were built on estate land. When the estates were redeveloped, people moved out, leaving the schools stranded,' he said.
Eight schools have already been 'rescued' in Juru, Mayfield, Alma and Simpang Empat, he said, adding that he planned to complete the rest within two years.
In one case, SJKT Changkat in Seberang Perai only has 17 students and plans are underway to relocate it to Bagan Dalam, where 1.6ha of reserved land is available.
'Once relocated, it can attract up to 800 students, since nearby SJKT Mak Mandin is already at capacity,' said Sundarajoo.
'With strict oversight and strategic planning, we hope to lay a strong foundation, despite financial hurdles,' he added.