KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced a RM1.9 billion allocation to upgrade and maintain schools nationwide next year.
Tabling Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today, he said the allocation includes RM930 million to improve dilapidated buildings and facilities at 450 schools, with 185 projects in Sarawak and 155 projects in Sabah.
“RM1 billion is allocated to maintain all school types, including national, religious, Tamil and Chinese vernacular schools, as well as special education focusing on the needs of autistic students,” Anwar said.
Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said education remains the crucial component receiving allocations in the country’s budget planning, with the Education Ministry (MOE) allocating RM58.7 billion compared to RM55.2 billion this year.
A total of 26 new schools will be built with a total cost amounting to RM2.5 billion including SMK Laya-laya in Tuaran, Sabah; SMK Baie in Bintulu, Sarawak; SMK Seri Melati in Kuantan, Pahang; SMK Bandar Universiti in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak; and SMK Binjai in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
The government is also expanding the income criteria for parents applying for the Federal Small Scholarship (BKP) for their children, based on the Poverty Income Line (PGK) of RM2,589 from RM1,500, which will benefit an additional 35,000 children from low-income families.
“To ensure children from poor families do not miss out on education, the government has also agreed to extend the Poor Students’ Trust Fund assistance to Form Three students, which was previously provided to Form One students. One million students will receive the benefit with an allocation of RM150 million,” he said.
A special cross-ministerial STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) committee will be established to set targets and implement measures to increase the participation of secondary school students in these fields.
The government allocates RM100 million to maintain and upgrade school computer labs and procure new equipment to facilitate STEM learning, adding that industry representatives will also be involved as instructors and supplying equipment.
As part of the efforts to empower and protect the well-being of special needs students, 18 new special needs blocks will be built with an allocation of RM180 million at SMK Kubang Rotan in Kedah, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Perda in Penang and SMK Dato Ali Ahmad in Perlis.
Anwar also announced an allocation of RM30 million to provide special needs support equipment and facilities for disabled persons to facilitate the affairs of students and teachers in schools.
A total of RM100 million will be allocated to implement a holistic approach involving all quarters to help students who have fallen behind and require further guidance. Malaysia recorded the highest number of school closures compared to other countries in the region during the Covid-19 pandemic.
MOE will carry out the National Education Future tour to ensure the National Education Development Plan currently being formulated also considers the suggestions and concerns of parents, stakeholders and the industry.
“The cultivation of Karamah Insaniah (human dignity) among school children will be expanded in the implementation of character-building programmes that focus on leadership, personality, manners, and integrity,” he said.
— Bernama
