KUALA KRAI: The allocation of RM1.702 billion to pay for 977 development projects for education in Kelantan proves that the federal government has never neglected the need for education in the state.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Kuala Krai district alone received an allocation of RM125.918 million (7.39 percent) to pay for 75 development projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) and the Economic Stimulus Package.

The allocation was for the construction of 13 primary schools and four secondary schools besides upgrading projects, the building of teachers' quarters and hostels.

"As a responsible government, we have never neglected any segment of the community in our country, especially the children who are in dire need of knowledge.

"As such, the allegation that the federal government is neglecting Kelantan, especially Kuala Krai, is totally untrue," said Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, when officiating the 38th Teachers' Day Celebrations at the Kelantan state level, at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Manik Urai Baru, here today (12 July).

He said that besides the allocation for development, the government was also allocating a total of RM3.406 billion to the Education Ministry to provide 21 types of subsidies to poor students throughout the country.

These included the Supplementary Food Program (RM254.92 million), hostel food subsidy (RM1.142 billion), Tuition Subsidy Scheme (RM255 million), Text Book Loan Scheme (RM180 million), Poor Students Trust Fund (RM400 million), the provision of educational scholarships exceeding RM270 million annually and other subsidies.

"The provision of these school subsidies is aimed at giving access to the poor students to acquire educational opportunities provided by the government.

"I believe the children in Manik Urai have also benefited from the subsidies provided by the Barisan Nasional government because this is our responsibility to the people," Muhyiddin said.

At the function, he also presented the Teachers' Personality Award for the Kelantan State 2009 to three retired teachers namely Nor Azidah Abdul Aziz, Ariffin Idris and Mohamad Mat Ariff. (Bernama)