(Miri, 18th) Miri Pei Min Middle School incurs an annual operating cost of over RM4 million yet the income from fees and miscellaneous charges only covers half of this amount, resulting in an annual funding gap exceeding RM2 million .
The chairman of the board of directors, Khor Ooi Long, stated that the school has long relied on various fundraising activities to maintain operations, but it is still difficult to cover the deficit. As a result, he hopes to establish a long-term plan to ensure the school's financial stability.
The main fundraising event for Pei Min Middle School each year is the “Chinese New Year Lion Dance Fundraiser,” which runs from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival. In the past, this event has raised up to RM1.2 million, with an annual target set at 1 million MYR. However, this year, due to poor weather, multiple floods, and bad road conditions, fundraising activities could not be carried out in some towns, resulting in only RM950,000 being raised, failing to meet the target.
In addition to the Lion Dance Fundraiser, the school also raises funds through a charity sale, which brings in RM400,000 annually, and accepts donations from funerals and weddings to alleviate financial pressure. Despite these fundraising activities, the school still faces a financial shortfall each year, urgently needing a more long-term financial plan to ensure sustainable development.
At the exchange meeting following the opening ceremony of the athletics field yesterday, the school also proposed plans to rebuild the historic gymnasium and transform it into a multi-purpose sports center to enhance campus facilities and meet the diverse needs of teachers, students, and the community. This concept plan has also gained the recognition and strong support of honor chairman alumnus Dato' Sri Lai Kok Poa, who expressed willingness to assist with construction funding, injecting a shot of excitement into the school's development.
Khor Ooi Long emphasized that relying solely on temporary fundraising activities cannot completely solve the problem, and the school must find stable sources of income to ensure that the quality of education is not affected. He hopes that all sectors of society will continue to support Pei Min Middle School and contribute to the future development of the school.
“Facing a financial deficit every year, we hope to have a long-term plan to resolve funding issues and allow the school to achieve sustainable development.”
