Dr Sim: Chung Hua carnival vital to school funding

KUCHING : Chung Hua Middle School No. 1 annual fundraising carnival remains a vital source of financial support in helping the school meet its operating costs.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the annual event had successfully raised hundreds of thousands of ringgit to support the school’s needs.

“The funds are essential to cover the school’s operating costs, including the payment of teachers’ salaries,” he said when met after officiating at the 2026 Charity Market Activity Chung Hua Middle School No.1 here today (Oct 11).

Dr Sim said the carnival reflected the spirit of cooperation among various parties, including former students, the Chinese community, students and the local community, who continued to support the school.

He said such contributions helped ensure the school’s continued operations, alongside financial assistance from the Sarawak government, which had increased from RM3 million annually during the tenure of the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to RM10 million a year under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“The RM10 million allocation is a great help as it can cover between three and six months of teachers’ salaries,” he said.

Dr Sim added that Abang Johari had also emphasised that Chinese schools were open to all races, particularly at the primary school level.

He said the participation of Bumiputera stall operators at the carnival, some of whom were former students returning to contribute to the school, reflected the inclusive spirit and community support behind the fundraising effort.

Meanwhile, Kuching Chung Hua Middle School (CHMS) No 1, 3, and 4 Board of Management Committee chairman Datuk Seri Richard Wee Liang Chiat said the carnival also provided students with an opportunity to participate in fundraising activities for their school.

“Through this programme, we want to instil these values in students while giving them an opportunity to understand the challenges their parents face in earning a living,” he said.

Wee said the carnival was a meaningful initiative that encouraged students to appreciate the efforts made to support their education.

Dr Sim (right) at one of the stalls for 2026 Charity Market Activity Chung Hua Middle School No.1.

He added that although the event had to be postponed due to the haze, the organisers were grateful that it could finally proceed and bring the school community together.

“The programme is very beneficial, and although it had to be postponed due to the haze, we are grateful that we can gather here today,” he said.