PUTRAJAYA: The government has approved the construction of 10 new Chinese primary schools in Johor and Selangor.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said five schools will be built in each of the two states.
Mahdzir also announced the relocation of six Chinese schools in Perak, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Johor.
"The development of new Chinese schools reflects the government's commitment and concern in fulfilling the educational needs of the Chinese community.
"These schools will be built in areas with large Chinese population. The implementation of the new schools are based on the project priorities and requirements, as well as the national economic and financial capabilities.
"The relocation of six schools is according to the procedures and conditions set by the ministry, including getting parents' consent and matters related to the relocation of schools" he said this in an announcement at his ministry.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai; Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong; MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon and ministry's secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad.
The five new schools to be built in Johor are SJKC Kuek Ho Yao, Tebrau; SJKC Sim Mow Yu, Plentong; SJKC Tun HS Lee, Ulu Tiram; SJKC Tan Kah Kee, Iskandar Puteri; and SJKC Cheah Fah, Iskandar Nusajaya.
Five schools that will be developed in Selangor are SJKC Lee Loy Seng, Kuala Selangor; SJKC Sunsuria, Dengkil; SJKC Tun Ong Yoke Lin, Kuala Langat; SJKC Tun Lim Chong Eu, Puncak Alam; and SJKC Too Joon Hing, Sepang.
The six schools that will relocated are SJKC Poay Chai, Kedah which will be moved to Taman Bukit Indah, Johor; SJKC Poi Min, Perak to Puchong Perdana, Selangor; SJKC Aik Hua, Perak to Negri Sembilan; SJKC Ladang Regent, Negri Sembilan to Bandar Elmina, Selangor; SJKC Panching, Kuantan, Pahang to Kota SAS, Pahang; and SJKC Ladang Grisek, Ledang, Johor to Taman Kota Masai, Johor.
"We received applications from MCA to build the new Chinese schools in order to provide quality education and better learning facilities for Chinese children. Barisan Nasional, as a caring government, is always committed to fulfill the requirements of all races.
"We also considered their applications to relocate some schools to new areas due to several issues including poor enrolment of students; low Chinese population in certain areas because of migration; and land acquisition by the landowner, among others.
"Besides that, these schools need to be relocated because of their dilapidated state and lack of educational facilities to carry out effective teaching and learning process," he added.
He, however, did not disclose the cost of the projects.
He said there are 1,298 Chinese schools nationwide, 883 of which are government-aided schools.
Of the total number, 454 schools are under-enrolled, or with less than 150 pupils.
Meanwhile, Liow said the projects are expected to begin by early next year.
"We have made applications to the government to develop new Chinese schools since last year.
"This is good news to the Chinese community as this will address issues such as congestion of students in certain schools and lack of educational aid in several areas.
"The development of the schools will be carried out in stages and we hope to get cooperation from the local councils to expedite the process, especially those related to land matters," he said.
Liow, who is also Transport Minister, said the school project development is expected to be completed about two years.
"We will not only focus in Johor and Selangor. We actually applied to build new Chinese schools nationwide but it needs time and have to be done in stages.
"We hope to see new schools in other states, too." said Liow.
Liow also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for helping the Chinese community.