KOTA KINABALU:Sabah has allocated a total of RM23,000,000 in financial assistance to non-government schools, including Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (SMP) since last year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said of this amount, a sum of RM4,035,000 in financial aid was provided to 9 SMPs, including Kian Kok Secondary School, which received RM565,000 in assistance.
"The state government will continue to provide financial assistance to schools and incentives to help Sabah students this year."
"With this continuous financial assistance and support, it demonstrates the government's recognition and commitment to the development of education in this state, as well as instil confidence in schools to continue providing quality education to our children in Sabah," he said.
He also added that the state government also provides various incentives to help alleviate the financial burden of Sabah students, such as the Sabah Excellent Student Scholarship, Rural Excellent Student Scholarship, scholarships for public and private higher education institutions, and scholarships through the Sabah Foundation.
He made these remarks at the 60th Anniversary Dinner of Kian Kok Secondary School at the Port View Palace Hall here last night.
His speech was delivered by the Tourism, Culture, and Environment minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Hajiji stated that Chinese Independent Secondary Education in Sabah, with its characteristics of inclusivity and diversity, has become a refreshing stream in the Malaysian education system.
"It not only produces outstanding talents in academics but also plays a positive role in promoting national and societal development.
"We believe that Chinese Independent Secondary Schools in Sabah will continue to make a greater contribution to the field of education in Malaysia," he said.