Building dreams: Abdul Malik (fifth right) and other VIPs applauding during the phase two groundbreaking ceremony of SMJK Heng Ee branch in Bayan Lepas, Penang.

The SMJK Heng Ee branch in Jalan Sungai Tiram 1 in Bayan Lepas, Penang, will be able to take in 3,000 students once it is ready in 2018.

Construction of the RM50mil school project has entered its second phase with a six-storey academic building costing RM20mil. It will have 96 classrooms.

Heng Ee’s board of governors chairman Datuk Loh Geok Beng said the school would be able to take in pupils from nine Chinese primary schools in Penang’s Southwest district.

“It will bring convenience to the students and parents staying in this district. It will reduce traffic congestion since students no longer have to travel downtown for education.

“This is also a continuation of development in Chinese education for the betterment of the future generation,” he said in his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony of the second phase yesterday.

The school land, measuring 3.24ha, was contributed by Ideal Property and Koperasi Tunas Muda Sungai Ara Bhd to the Penang government for educational purposes. Ideal Property obtained a licence to build the school from the Education Ministry in 2013.

Phase one of the construction of an administrative building costing RM7mil has been completed. It was sponsored and constructed by Ideal Property Group.

The third phase will see the construction of a seven-storey building comprising a school hall, library, auditorium and other facilities.

Penang exco member Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, representing Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to perform the groundbreaking ceremony, said the state has always emphasised strongly on the development of education.

“Education plays an important role for a society to prosper and become successful. The state government has given high priority in this aspect.

“Strong education can generate more quality human capital needed by the various industries in Penang. It will help the state stay relevant and become a destination of choice for investors,” said Abdul Malik, who is also Batu Maung assemblyman.

Also present were Ideal Property Group executive chairman Datuk Alex Ooi, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, Bukit Bendera MP Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) executive adviser Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping, PCCC president Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng and Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Datuk Khor Teng How.

Source: TheStar.com.my