PLANS for a new Tamil school in MVV City near Bandar Seri Sendayan, Seremban, will now proceed as the RM9mil required for construction has been secured.
Negri Sembilan local government, housing and transport committee caretaker chairman J. Arul Kumar said construction of the new SJK (T) Ladang Labu Bahagian 4 will soon take off as the remaining half of the project cost had been raised.
The funds totalling RM4.45mil were collected during a 170-table dinner organised by the school’s board of governors in Seremban.
“Since developer Matrix Concepts had agreed to contribute RM4.45mil of the cost, a dinner was organised to help raise the balance.
“I am happy to say that the entire cost of the project has been secured,” he said, adding that Transport Minister Anthony Loke was instrumental in helping raise the money.
Arul Kumar said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had contributed RM2mil on behalf of the Federal Government, while Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) Sdn Bhd and Agni Solution Sdn Bhd each donated RM1mil.
Among other major contributors were caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun who contributed RM200,000 on behalf of the state government, while executors of the estate of Jega Devan Natchatiram gave RM100,000.
“Many other companies, organisations and individuals also came forward to contribute,” Arul Kumar said.
The school, to be built on 2.4ha of land about 1km from its current location, will include a hall, canteen, field, 12 classrooms, 13 special rooms such as science and computer labs, library and administrative offices.
There will also be two rooms for pre-school classes.
Arul Kumar said Matrix Concepts had also committed to completing the school within one year of receiving relocation approval from the Education Ministry.
“All other approvals, including land clearance, building plans and planning from Seremban City Council (MBS) have already been secured.”
The decision to relocate the pre-Merdeka school was taken as it faced infrastructure issues and lacked facilities.
Enrolment had also dwindled to fewer than 20 pupils after estate workers moved out years ago.
Arul Kumar said a modern school was needed due to the growing Indian population in and around Tiara Sendayan, Gadong Jaya, Eka Matahari and Laman Sendayan.
MVV City is the first integrated township within the Malaysian Vision Valley corridor covering 952.8ha.
It will also have 400ha of industrial land, over 15,000 homes and 69.6ha of commercial space.
