AMPANG JAYA, June 23 — The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) allocates approximately RM2 million annually to support the development of the education ecosystem within its administrative area by providing various facilities and infrastructure.
Its Deputy President Hasrolnizam Shaari said the assistance includes constructing pedestrian walkways, lighting, and road signage outside school compounds to ensure a safer and more conducive environment for students.
Although education falls under the jurisdiction of the Education Ministry (MOE), MPAJ has adopted an approach of utilising its budget to help meet Ampang Jaya's education-related needs.
In addition to infrastructure support, the local authority allows more than 40 schools within its jurisdiction to use facilities like buses, halls, and sports courts either free of charge or at minimal cost.
“In this context, we do not provide a specific education allocation because, as is well known, educational activities fall under the MOE. However, MPAJ has taken the approach of using part of the council’s budget to support educational needs.
“Within the RM2 million allocation, we help coordinate and build the necessary infrastructure outside school compounds, such as pedestrian walkways and road signage.
“Through this assistance, although MPAJ experiences a reduction in revenue of slightly more than RM1 million annually, we see its long-term benefits for the community. Students gain access to better facilities, which in turn contributes to their development,” he said.
Hasrolnizam was speaking to the media after the opening ceremony of the Ampang Jaya Education Convention, which was officiated by Education Minister’s Political Secretary Rozzana Zainal Abidin at the MPAJ Convention Centre today.
He added that all parties may apply to use council-owned facilities. However, educational institutions are given special consideration to help facilitate the implementation of relevant programmes.
“As is commonly known, local authorities provide public facilities, and these are open to everyone. Schools still need to submit applications, but the difference is that we provide consideration and flexibility, with the majority of facilities offered free of charge, to support school-level initiatives and help ease the burden on parents,” Hasrolnizam said.
Previously, Hasrolnizam disclosed that MPAJ recorded RM45 million in assessment tax revenue between January 1 and April 30 this year. During the same period, it also successfully collected RM9 million in outstanding assessment tax arrears.
