Ling (second from right) presenting mock cheques for financial assistance to help underprivileged students at three Foon Yew High School campuses, while Tan (right) looks on.
THE Johor government has allocated RM1mil to assist less privileged students from 10 independent Chinese schools with their school fees.
Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said in the past, allocations were usually given to the schools for infrastructure upgrades and other development projects.
“This is the first time the state government has given funds to aid these underprivileged students with their school fees.
“Hopefully this will lighten their families’ burden and keep the students in school.
Ling says the state government has allocated RM1mil to assist less privileged students from 10 Chinese independent schools with their school fees.“This method was adopted following discussions with the Johor Chinese Schools Committee Association (Dong Lian) on the best way to assist the students.
“Dong Lian will identify the eligible students and divide the allocation accordingly, with each student receiving RM1,000,” he said after presenting mock cheques to the three Foon Yew High School branches.
He said from the total, RM342,000 would be given to 342 students at the Foon Yew High School campuses, namely the main one in Stulang and its branches in Kulai and Bandar Seri Alam.
Ling, who is also Yong Peng assemblyman, added that the state government under the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was concerned about the progress of Chinese schools.
“In the future, the state government will also consider helping them through charity foundations such as the Sultanah Fatimah Foundation, which also receives allocations from the state’s coffers,” he said.
Johor Dong Lian chairman Tan Tai Kim thanked the state government for showing its concern for Chinese education.
“Many students, especially those from low-income families, faced difficulties in footing their school fees after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.
“I hope the Johor government can continue giving us attention in next year’s state budget.”
