Schools urged to apply for special package under Budget 2013

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BUDGET SPECIAL PACKAGE: Liu (seated, centre) with his committee members after addressing the media.

KUCHING: The principals and boards of management of aided Chinese primary schools (SJKC) and conforming schools (SMJK) in Sarawak are urged to submit their respective applications for the Special Package pledged in Budget 2013.

The federal government has allocated RM100 million for the development of SJKC and SMJK nationwide for the year 2013, said Liu Thian Leong, president of Association of Kuching-Samarahan Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools.

Speaking at a news conference here yesterday, he said it was a little disappointing that only 14 schools in the state had put forward their applications to the association.

“The special allocation of RM100 million is something SJKC and SMJK in Sarawak must not miss out on. Having received only 14 applications so far reflects a very low percentage.

“There are over 170 SJKC in Sarawak and for SMJK, SMK Kuching High is the only one I know of in Kuching. Many of these schools are in need of extra funds to either upgrade or expand their amenities.

“Now that the Education Ministry has directed all state education departments to gather data, principals and boards of management should promptly hand over their application forms,” he said at the association’s secretariat at Jalan Chan Chin Ann here.

Liu pointed out that applicants had to provide details namely school code, school name and address, district, state and parliamentary constituency, name of principal and contact, specifications, estimated cost and the bank account number of the school board of management.

On specifications, he explained that the school had to put down a detailed description of the upgrading or maintenance works required or even purchase of new items such as tables and chairs.

“The association is now helping to compile data and will subsequently hand it to the state Education Department, and eventually everything is to be presented to the Ministry of Education.”

He advised the various boards of management and principals to try their best in providing details and send them along to the association’s secretariat by Nov 28.

“I understand that some principals or board members are already away on holidays, but someone else should take charge rather than to miss the opportunity to ask for federal grants,” he said by way of explaining the low submission.

Those who need help with filling in the form or other enquiries can call the secretariat at 082-421021 or email to [email protected] while completed forms should be faxed to 082-425996.