PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — The RM58.7 billion allocation, the largest in Budget 2024, proves education continues to be given priority to ensure the aspiration to build a viable and globally competitive Malaysia Madani will be achieved, said the Ministry of Education (MOE).
It said RM2.5 billion has been allocated for the construction of 26 new schools, including SMK Laya-laya in Sabah; SMK Baie in Sarawak; SMK Seri Melati in Pahang, SMK Bandar Universiti in Perak, and SMK Binjai in Kelantan, while RM82 million is provided for the construction of 26 new preschool buildings.
“The MOE bears a great responsibility to ensure the allocations given in the Budget 2024 will be utilised in the best possible way and impact the development of the country’s education,” it said in a statement today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the Malaysia Madani Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, said MOE’s allocation was higher than this year’s, which is RM55.2 billion.
Meanwhile, MOE said RM1.9 billion is to upgrade and maintain schools nationwide, which is RM930 million for improving dilapidated buildings and facilities at 450 schools, with 185 projects in Sarawak and 155 projects in Sabah.
“RM1 billion is for the maintenance of all types of schools, including special education schools, with a focus on the needs of autistic students,” it said.
The government also allocated RM220 million to develop two new Islamic education institutions, including SMK Agama Jempol in Negeri Sembilan, which is under MOE.
Budget 2024 also expands the income criteria for parents applying for their children’s Federal Small Scholarship (BKP), based on the Poverty Income Line (PGK) of RM2,589 from RM1,500.
“To ensure children from poor families do not miss out on education, the government has also agreed to extend the Poor Students’ Trust Fund (KWAPM) assistance to Form Three students, which was previously provided to Form One students, and this will benefit one million students at a RM150 million allocation,” it said.
RM100 million was provided to empower Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) specifically to maintain and upgrade school computer laboratories and acquire new equipment for STEM learning.
Budget 2024 also considers infrastructure and support equipment for students with special needs (MBPK), involving RM180 million to construct 18 new special needs blocks.
These include SMK Kubang Rotan in Kedah, SK Bandar Baru Perda in Penang, and SMK Dato’ Ali Ahmad in Perlis.
Another RM30 million has also been set aside to supply special education support equipment and provide disabled-friendly facilities in schools, and RM100 million has also been set aside to implement a holistic approach involving all parties in helping students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“MOE also welcomes the government’s initiative to provide a total of RM2.4 billion to build, maintain and refurbish civil servant quarters, including teachers’ quarters. The ministry will also emphasise the application of karamah insaniah (human dignity) among students,” it said.
— Bernama
