BATU PAHAT - The Johor state government has allocated nearly RM17 million for the Chinese community in conjunction with this year’s Chinese New Year, covering education, culture, development and festive activities.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said RM1 million would be channelled to Southern University College (SUC), RM3.27 million to 10 Chinese independent secondary schools and RM1.3 million to 219 national-type Chinese schools (SJKC) for teachers’ facilities, including parent-teacher associations (PIBG).
"For cultural and religious activities, RM1.5 million has been allocated for the Maju Johor lion dance programme, while RM2 million will go to non-Muslim houses of worship and Tiong Hua non-governmental organisations.
"We are also providing RM3 million through Bantuan Kasih Johor for Chinese new villages,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner and fellowship event at Che Ann Khor Yong Peng here on Sunday.
Onn Hafiz said an additional RM4.36 million has been set aside to support programmes held in conjunction with the celebrations, including the distribution of ang pow.
He said the allocation is the highest provided by the state government in recent years, attributed in part to improving economic performance and state revenue, including investments linked to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
Onn Hafiz added that the state government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of all communities regardless of race or religion, while strengthening unity through the spirit of Bangsa Johor. - BERNAMA