Anwar announces additional RM20 million for Chinese secondary schools, total allocation now reaches RM100 million
IPOH, Feb 14, 2026 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an additional RM20 million allocation for Chinese national-type secondary schools (SMJKC), raising the total funding channelled to Chinese vernacular schools this year to a significantly higher level.
The announcement was made during the Sumbangan Kasih Madani event for the Tambun parliamentary constituency, held in conjunction with Chinese New Year and the upcoming Ramadan celebrations at SMJK Yuk Choy here.
Anwar said the additional allocation is aimed at funding maintenance, upgrading works and improvements to basic school facilities in line with current needs.
“We have already approved RM80 million for Chinese schools. Today, in conjunction with Chinese New Year and out of respect for the Chinese community, I am adding another RM20 million,” he said.
He explained that the funds would be distributed based on individual school requirements, covering infrastructure upgrades, learning facilities and efforts to create a more conducive environment for students and teachers.
On January 5, during his 2026 New Year Address, Anwar announced RM80 million for Chinese primary schools (SJKC) and RM50 million for Tamil primary schools (SJKT) for upgrading initiatives.
The latest RM20 million allocation for SMJKC signals the government’s continued commitment to ensuring fair support across different education streams.
Among those present at the event were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Education as a pillar of unity and character-building
In his speech, Anwar stressed that education should go beyond academic excellence and serve as a foundation for discipline, character and national unity.
He said schools are the best platforms to instil mutual respect among students from diverse backgrounds.
“We come to school to gain knowledge so that we become intelligent and good individuals. But more importantly, we learn to live together harmoniously.
“We have Malay, Chinese, Indian and Sikh students here. We are one nation despite our differences. We are here to understand and respect one another, not to be divided,” he said.
He also warned against bullying and arrogance, emphasising that substantial government investment in education would be meaningless if students were not shaped into disciplined and morally grounded individuals.
During the event, Anwar, who is also the Tambun MP, presented RM300 in financial assistance to 3,000 students under the Sumbangan Kasih Madani initiative.
The move highlights the government’s broader approach to strengthening education while easing the financial burden of families ahead of the festive season.
-wilayah.com.my
