Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor said the increase in financial assistance reflected the state government's commitment to ensuring that every community receives fair attention.SANDAKAN: The Sabah state government has more than doubled its financial assistance for Chinese private schools, mission schools, and non-Muslim religious bodies, increasing the allocation from RM43 million in 2020 to RM90 million this year.Chief minister Hajiji Noor said annual financial assistance for Chinese schools, mission schools, and non-Muslim religious bodies has been increased consistently since the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government assumed office in 2020.Hajiji said the increased allocation underscores the state government's commitment to supporting educational and religious institutions that play a vital role in human capital development, social cohesion, and the overall well-being of Sabah's communities.The steady increase in financial assistance reflected the state government's commitment to ensuring that every community in Sabah receives fair attention and shares in the benefits of the state's development, regardless of race, religion, or background," he said.Hajiji also announced that RM9 million has been approved for Sabah's east coast zone, covering Sandakan, Beluran, Tongod, Telupid, Paitan, Kinabatangan, and Sukau, representing an increase of RM2 million compared to previous years.He said RM4.41 million has been allocated to 42 educational institutions, comprising one Chinese independent school, two national-type secondary schools, 10 Chinese primary schools, nine missionary primary and secondary schools, 18 kindergartens, and two private missionary schools.Another RM4.58 million has been allocated to non-Muslim religious bodies, benefitting 96 churches from nine Christian denominations, 27 Chinese temples, and two Hindu temples.Hajiji also announced that 46 new applications from churches were approved this year.
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