TAWAU: Fifty non-Muslim religious bodies and private schools, including preschools in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu received a total assistance of RM2 million from the State Government here yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin presented the fund aid to 200 recipients during the presentation ceremony at Promenade Hotel.
Peter said the State Government provided assistance to needy organizations and schools every year to help in development expenses, upgrade facilities and defray management costs and does not include RM890,000 the State Government had already approved for building and repairing Hindu and Buddhist temples in Tawau, Kunak, Semporna and Lahad Datu.
“The government will continue to help schools so that they can function effectively.
“Barisan National (BN) is not engaged in any particular agenda as everyone is equal and assured of freedom of religion in Sabah. Our Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman is fair and Government is caring.
“The Government will continue to provide financial assistance to the hardcore poor in the rural areas,” he said.
According to Peter, the Government also contributed lion and unicorn heads to some qualified schools and associations and hoped they would continue to promote the Chinese traditional culture especially to the youngsters.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the same function, Infrastructure
Development Assistant Minister Pang Yuk Ming said non-revenue water (NRW) in Tawau, partly due to water theft, had so far been reduced to 50 per cent compared to 70 per cent in previous years.
However, he said this figure was still considered high as NRW in Peninsular Malaysia stood at 30 per cent.