Section 57: SJKC Bahau

History of SJKC Bahau

Reference: NBC 6003 Land Area: 5 Acres School Type: Suburban Type A, Government School/Full Grant Ownership : Ministry of Education Number of Students: 493

History of SJKC Bahau

1969 Due to the increasing number of students at SJKC Bahau, which was previously known as SJKC Bahau Chi Wen, reaching nearly two thousand by 1969, there was a shortage of classrooms. As a temporary solution, classes were conducted in morning and afternoon sessions. Recognizing the need for expansion, the board of directors submitted an application to the Ministry of Education to address the overcrowding issue. However, due to limited space and location constraints at the existing site, a decision was made to find a new location. After extensive efforts and with the assistance of Dato' Thong Kam Chiam, a state assemblyman, a new site measuring five acres was secured along Jalan Kuala Pilah in Bahau. The Ministry of Education approved the acquisition of the land and the construction of a new school building.

1970 In February 1970, construction work began on the new school building, which became the first fully government-funded and managed Chinese primary school in Negeri Sembilan, serving as a model for other Chinese primary schools in the state. The three-story building consisted of 16 classrooms, a principal's office, an administration office, a teachers' lounge, toilets, a storage room, and a canteen. The school compound included a spacious field in front.

1971 The new school building was completed and ready for use. The Chinese

School Inspectorate of Negeri Sembilan appointed 15 teachers from SJKC Chi Wen to teach at the new school, and 584 students were assigned to attend classes there. Mr. Tan Loke Han, a lecturer from the Teachers' Training College, was appointed as the first principal of the school, while Dato' Thong Kam Chiam, Mr. Lim Khor Chong, and Mr. Lim Kang Swee served as official board members.

1975 On January 1, Principal Tan was transferred back to the Teachers' Training College, and Mr. Kong Yuen Long served as the acting principal. On May 6, the school's new building was officially opened by the Minister of Education, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. On September 15, Mr. Chong Lok Heng assumed the role of principal and initiated the establishment of a 100-member drum and pipe band. Generous donors contributed RM7,000 to purchase musical instruments, and Mr. Tan Kim Hai, a respected figure in the music industry, known as the "Musical Genius," served as the band's trainer.

1976 The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) organized fundraising activities and raised RM21,000. The funds were utilized to construct a basketball court, brick walls around the field, repair the waiting shed, resurface the field, and beautify the school compound, enhancing the overall appearance of the school. 1977 Recognizing the lack of dental and healthcare services for students, the PTA organized fundraising