MIRI: Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJK(C) Chiaw Nan celebrated a significant milestone with its official opening in Taman Tunku today, officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The school’s deputy chairman, Datuk Hii King Chiong, expressed his delight and gratitude during the ceremony acknowledging the substantial financial assistance from the Sarawak government, led by Premier Abang Johari.
“The Premier’s administration contributed RM5 million towards the school’s RM8.8 million construction cost,” he said adding that another key contributor to the project was Datuk Raziah Mahmud-Geneid, who donated 10 acres of land through her company, Kumpulan Parabena Sdn. Bhd.
Datuk Hii commended Abang Johari for emphasising education as the key towards improving the one’s living standards and eliminate poverty throughout Sarawak.
“We are very proud to have Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari as our leader, and we are confident that the welfare of Sarawak and its people is in good hands. We must fully support his hard work and grand vision to make Sarawak a digital economic powerhouse and a high-income modern state,” Hii stated in his speech.
The school, currently accommodating 120 pupils from Year 1 to Year 3 has seen an influx of Bumiputera students, who now make up over 70 per cent of the total students.
Hii also revealed the school is set for an expansion and once Phase 2 construction is completd, the school will be able to accommodate over 2,000 pupils.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the significance Datuk Raziah’s contribution, emphasising the urgent need for the land to transfer and reconstruct SJK(C) Chiaw Nan from Marudi to Miri.
“Datuk Raziah’s swift and generous response played a crucial role in the project’s success.
“We sought the support of Datuk Raziah Mahmud who, without hesitation, agreed to donate the land when she learned that it was for education. Her willingness marked an unprecedented great contribution by a community leader,” Hii remarked.