JOHOR BARU: The nearly RM17mil special allocation for Johor’s Chinese community, with a strong emphasis on education, is timely and responsive to long-standing needs, say community leaders.
They said the allocation reflects the state government’s understanding of issues crucial to the community’s welfare and long-term development, particularly education.
Johor Baru SJKC Development Committee chairman So Boon Kiat said the community was especially appreciative of the nearly RM6mil earmarked for education.
“The state government’s allocation covers education from the primary level right up to university, and we are particularly grateful for this.
“Education is not only close to our hearts, it is also essential to securing the future of our community,” he said.
So added that the Chinese community values the state government’s consistent emphasis on education in the aid and funding channelled to the community.
“Even in previous years, the state government has allocated funds for our schools, and we hope this support will continue,” he said.
Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association chairman Chee Wing Kien said the allocation could not have come at a better time, as many associations and non-governmental organisations are facing funding challenges.
“Times are tough, and many groups that rely on public donations are struggling as donors tighten their spending due to financial constraints.
“This allocation will provide much-needed relief during difficult times,” he said, adding that this was the first time the state government had extended such a substantial allocation to the community.
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Johor’s allocation demonstrates that the state leadership listens to the people.
He said the funds address a broad range of community needs, particularly in education and welfare.
“Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is a leader who listens to the aspirations of the community and is committed to addressing issues affecting Johor.
“He understands the challenges faced by different communities,” Dr Wee said when met during a dinner with the Chinese community in Yong Peng on Sunday night.
Earlier at the same event, Onn Hafiz announced a special allocation worth nearly RM17mil for the Chinese community.
The Mentri Besar said this includes RM1mil for Southern University College and RM3.27mil for 10 independent Chinese secondary schools across Johor.
“We will also allocate RM1.3mil to 219 Chinese primary schools for teachers’ rooms and parent- teacher associations.
“An allocation of RM1.5mil has been set aside for lion dance troupes, while RM2mil will go to non-Muslim houses of worship and Chinese non-governmental organisations,” he said.
He added that RM3mil will be channelled through Bantuan Kasih Johor to Chinese new villages, while RM4.36mil has been allocated for Chinese New Year celebrations and ang pow distributions.
Also present were Sultanah Fatimah Foundation chairman Mejar Cina Datuk David Wong Khong Soon, Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon, Johor Islamic affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid and state assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Samsolbari Jamali.
