The Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) has proposed that students from Chinese independent schools be exempted from paying examination fees when sitting for the Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

SUPP president Peter Chin Fah Kui said currently, the fee exemption was for government school students while private and independent schools needed to pay RM65 for PMR, and more than RM100 for SPM, depending on the number of subjects taken.

"The Education Ministry should seriously consider this matter," he told reporters after the party's meet-the-people session in Miri today.

Chin, who is also energy, green technology and water minister, said he would seek an amicable solution by discussing the matter with both the education and finance ministries.

He said one of the aspects that needed to be looked into were the financial implications of the goverment although the proposed exemption would only apply to Chinese independent schools and not private schools or international schools.

Earlier, during the session, representatives from the Riam Road Secondary School, one of the independent schools here, voiced their frustration to Chin over the examination fee as they deemed it "unfair" and hoped the fee would be abolished.

Chin, who is also Miri member of parliament, said a study on the proposed regional treatment plant for Miri was compeleted, adding that it would ensure a clean and systematic sewerage system.

- Bernama