Nation

Iconic IJ Convent Johor Baru, near century-old structure, needs restoration

JOHOR BARU: The iconic Infant Jesus Convent Johor Baru, alma mater of many including the nation's luminaries, in a sad state of disrepair and needs refurbishment.

The school is in a dire need of funds to repair and restore a structure that's in a state of dilapidation.

Yvonne Loh, ex-pupil and member of the Board of Governors (BOG), has initiated a "Call of Convent" building repair fund-raising campaign.

She feels the state of disrepair would move the hearts of former pupils to donate generously to the fund, restoring and refurbishing the school.

"Major works of restoration have to be done, to both the primary and secondary school buildings, as otherwise, the structures may be untenable", said Loh.

She said that when it rains the poor condition of the roofs and ceilings cause puddles of water to collect in the corridors, posing danger to pupils and teachers who may slip and fall.

"Plants have also grown into the roofs, cracked the concrete and gutters, and have to be removed," she added.

She said in 2020, the Convent Association of Past Pupils had planned to organise the 95th anniversary of the school's founding but Covid-19 had aborted their plan.

"There are no plans to revive the celebration due to safety reasons and so we are sending a plea to alumni, well-wishers and donors for funds to restore and refurbish the school," she said.

Antonette Oliveiro, chairperson of the BOG for the secondary school and chairperson of the past pupils' association, estimates that a sum of RM1 million is needed to be raised to defray the costs of repair and refurbishment.

"Now it is time to relook at the entire structural aspects of the building, especially the wiring system for both the primary and secondary schools. Electrical trips are frequent and are especially trying during examinations, student assemblies and events," Oliveiro said.

"The sewerage and septic tanks that support both schools are also very old and are in urgent need of upgrading as the widespread roots of a nearby big tree has damaged the concrete slab built around it and is threatening the stability of the sewerage tanks," she said.

Both Oliveiro and Loh are hopeful that the stellar alumni of the school who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour, both in Malaysia and abroad, would rally to the call to repair and refurbish the school's physical structure.

"We cannot wait as these repairs need to be done quickly as they pose a danger," said Loh.

Former students who became luminaries and walked through the school's corridors include literary legend Adibah Amin, former prime minister Tun Hussein Onn, former international trade and industry minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Najib Razak's mother Tun Rahah Mohd Noah and New Straits Times Press executive editor ArtCrib Fauziah Ismail.

The piece of land in Jalan Yahya Awal where the JB Convent stands was donated by the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim and his consort, Sultanah Rogayah to the founding IJ Sisters in 1926 when news about their impressive quality of education caught their attention. The Sultan was keen that a convent be set up in the city.

Contribution can be channelled to Persatuan Bekas Penuntut Sekolah IJC JB, Maybank Account Number: 501123120629, Swift Code: MBBEMYKL or call Song Eng Fong at +6017-790 1530 for further details.

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