Curious about the tale of a school born from a plantation? Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Seaport holds more history than meets the eye.
Welcome to Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Seaport. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Tamil education in Malaysia. This school has a unique story that stretches back to the late 19th century.
Let’s journey back to the late 1880s. The Seaport Estate thrived. It spanned from Kelana Jaya to Damansara. This vast estate had over 300 families working in its two divisions. Three other estates existed nearby. They were Ladang Subang, Glenmarie and Bilmoore. Each estate had its own Tamil school. These schools were for the children of estate workers. Today, only Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Seaport and SJKT Glenmarie remain.
In the early 1920s, the Seaport Estate management decided to establish a formal Tamil school. By 1925, it became a reality. Mr Enrus, the estate manager, founded a school with three classrooms. It was near the school’s present site in SS7. The first headmaster was Mr Ester Raj. He cared deeply about his students’ education. During this time, Malaya was under British rule. The school operated under British observation.
Mr Rajan became the first supervisor in the early 1940s. From 1940 to 1970, significant improvements happened. Mr Arunasalam and Mr C.S. Moorthy followed Mr Rajan as supervisors. They further enhanced the school’s educational environment.
Around the 1960s, tin mining expanded from Puchong. It encroached into the estate areas. The state government and mining companies took over the rubber estates. Estate residents became squatters. They were displaced without proper compensation. Despite these challenges, the school and temple continued to operate.
In 1967, residents of Seaport Estate A were forced to relocate. They were placed in longhouses in SS4. Residents of Seaport Estate B became squatters. This happened when the estate manager sold the estate to the state government. However, the school remained a vital part of their community.
The 1970s saw the decline of tin mining. PKNS transformed the former mining areas. They became industrial zones and housing developments. Former estate residents worked in factories. They lived as squatters near the estates.
In December 1983, development threatened the school. PKNS dug a large ditch. It separated two school blocks. Students had to use planks to cross between buildings. The school and parents protested. PKNS did not provide alternative solutions.
The PIBG submitted a letter in May 1985. It requested a new site and building. The school was over 30 years old. PKNS’s actions had divided the school. This created a dangerous situation for the students.
YB Datuk M. Mahalingam sent a letter to PKNS in July 1985. He requested a new school site. PKNS agreed to provide five acres in Kampung Lindungan.
In December 1986, PKNS informed the headmaster about the relocation. They asked him to move the students. PKNS planned to develop the area for housing. No alternative site was offered initially.
The story of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Seaport reflects resilience. It shows the enduring importance of education within a community. Despite facing numerous challenges, the school persisted. It continued to serve its students. It continues to be a beacon of Tamil education.