KOTA KINABALU: Seventy-two national-type Chinese schools here received a financial boost of more than RM7mil from the Federal Government just weeks before classes resume in 2018.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Chong Sin Woon handed out the aid to 66 national-type primary schools that collectively received RM6mil here on Friday (Dec 15).

He also presented a total of RM1.5mil to eight national-type secondary schools as part of the Federal Government’s yearly assistance.

Chong told the media later that Sabah Chinese schools had received more than RM50mil in such aid over the past five years.

He said the assistance, which had been given since 2008 when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took over the Finance Minister post, was given to enable schools improve their facilities and buildings.

Chong said schools that had received the aid had improved their student facilities.

To a question, he said the aid amount depended on each request from the school and intended usage, adding that the assistance could range between RM10,000 and RM1mil.

“A school that received big amount this year may get less next year. So we use this method to help all the schools regardless of whether they have a large or smaller student population,” said Chong.

Also present were Special Tasks Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, Luyang Assemblyman Datuk Dr Hiew King Cheu, Deputy State Speaker Datuk Dr Johnson Tee and Sabah MCA deputy chairman Datuk Francis Goh.

-The STAR-