The Johor government has allocated RM4.19 million to transform five Bangsa Johor Community Development Department (KEMAS) kindergartens in an effort to improve early childhood education and produce a quality generation of Bangsa Johor residents.
Md Israk Abdullah, chairman of the Johor Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry, and Rural Development Committee, stated that the initiative is part of the state government’s strategic efforts to lay a solid educational foundation before students continue their studies at Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ).
He mentioned this after accompanying Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, to review the progress of Tabika KEMAS Bangsa Johor Suria Muafakat’s transformation efforts.
“This transformation is the brainchild of the Regent Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, to develop a world-class education model.
“This kindergarten will be the initial path to the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (Johor Nation Pioneer School), thus forming the foundation of quality education for Johor children from preschool age,” he said in a statement on 21st July.
According to him, the project includes five kindergartens and seven classes in four different locations, with 173 children participating, adding that the RM4.19 million allocation will be used to upgrade infrastructure, train teachers through the English Communication for Early Childhood Educators (Echo) programme, develop the Johor Sultanate Islamic Module, and provide interactive media equipment.
He added that for Tabika Kemas Suria Muafakat, RM657,921 has been set aside for infrastructure transformation work, which has now reached 75% completion.
“This development demonstrates the state government’s commitment to providing a more modern, safe, and conducive learning environment for Johor’s children,” he said.
He also stated that Tabika Kemas Suria Muafakat is the second location to undergo the transformation process, following The Larkin Court Nursery School on Jalan Kasawari, which was completed successfully in June.
According to him, the effort was not simply to upgrade the building, but also to develop quality human capital for Johor’s future.
In another development, Israk stated that he met with the former chairman of the Johor Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, and Rural Development Committee, Datuk Zahari Sarip, to discuss the continuation of the agricultural and rural development agenda.
He stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to obtain Datuk Zahari’s views and experiences in ensuring that all previously implemented initiatives are continued and strengthened.
“His perspectives, experiences, and sharing are very valuable as a reference for me in ensuring that all initiatives that have been implemented can be continued, strengthened, and improved in order to provide greater benefits to the people of Johor,” he said.
Israk stated that he was committed to continuing efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and rural development through all parties’ cooperation in order to make the Maju Johor agenda a success and improve the well-being of the state’s rural communities.
