364 Schools, Churches, and Temples in Northern West Coast Receive RM6.82 Million Aid

27 November 2024

KOTA MARUDU: A total of 364 schools, churches, and temples across five districts in the Northern West Coast Zone received financial assistance amounting to RM6.82 million at a ceremony held at the Chinese national-type primary schools (SJKC) Khoi Ming Hall here on Tuesday (November 26).

This includes 45 schools, with a total aid amount of RM2.29 million, 310 churches (RM4.11 million), and nine temples (RM425,000).

The five districts in the Northern West Coast Zone are Kudat, Banggi, Matunggong, Kota Marudu, and Pitas.

The Assistant Minister of Finance, Datuk Julita Majungki, who officiated the aid handover, stated that the State Government is always concerned and practices a policy of fairness and equality in all aspects to assist its citizens regardless of race and religion, in order to maintain community harmony in the state.

"May this contribution and financial assistance provide some comfort and benefits and foster a spirit of brotherhood among the people in this state," she said during her speech at the event.

Julita, who is also the Matunggong Assemblywoman, described this financial assistance as a complement to ease the burden of schools and religious bodies, ensuring that the facilities of the schools and places of worship remain conducive, safe, and comfortable for use.

She also announced that the financial aid allocation for the coming year has increased, as announced during the State Budget 2025 presentation session on November 15.

Under the State Budget 2025, a total of RM70 million has been allocated for this purpose, an increase of RM13.25 million compared to 2024 (RM56.75 million) and 2023 (RM54.05 million).

She mentioned that applications for financial assistance for 2025 will be open as usual from January 2 to March 31, 2025, and application forms can be accessed on the State Ministry of Finance website.

She also urged the private sector and business chambers or trade associations to participate and support schools and religious institutions in the state.

This aid approval letter handover ceremony is the last to be held after those for the Southern West Coast Zone, Lower Interior Zone (Beaufort), Upper Interior Zone (Tenom), and Eastern Coast Zone (Sandakan and Tawau).