5 days ago
RM5.5mil school facelift unveiled
Chow (centre) flanked by students and teachers, together with state leaders and representatives from various agencies in front of the new four-storey building of SM St Mark in Butterworth. — Buletin Mutiara
CM launches upgraded facilities, pledges action on road safety at Butterworth institution
THE new four-storey building at SM St Mark in Butterworth, completed in 2019 at a cost of nearly RM5.5mil, was launched by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The opening ceremony of the upgraded building was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chow said the state had contributed over RM1mil to the school since 2009 to support the institution's various initiatives
State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that the Federal Government had approved RM3.2mil for the new building.
The rest of the funds were raised through donations from a fundraising event, well-wishers, church members, alumni and the community.
The school upgrade included building upkeep, laboratory facilities, ICT (information, communication and technology) equipment and other resources to support effective teaching and learning, ensuring students have full access to education.
'I am proud to see the government, education sector and community working together to make meaningful progress,' Chow said at the opening ceremony.
He said efforts to upgrade the infrastructure were commendable as a conducive and comfortable learning environment had been factored in for the school community.
Chow added that it would be a challenge for high-performing schools to accommodate the increasing number of students while supporting effective teaching and learning.
'Many other schools in Malaysia are also awaiting resources from the Education Ministry as well as their respective state governments.'
He added that he had taken note of the issues raised by both school principal T. Shanti and its board chairman Rev Soong Hoe Pin.
'One of the concerns highlighted was the federal road near the school, which will be widened from two lanes to four lanes.
'This has raised safety concerns, especially regarding traffic flow in front of the school.
'I will raise this matter to the attention of Public Works Department (JKR) to ensure that safety aspects are prioritised in the project.
'I will do my best to fulfil the request to instal a roof over the assembly ground,' Chow said.
Also present at the event were Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Senator Dr R. Lingeshwaran, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor C. Linggeswaran.
