By Norrasyidah Arshad
KAJANG, Feb 2 — The Selangor State Education Department (JPN) has been allocated over RM127 million in Early Schooling Aid (BAP) aimed at benefiting 848,744 students in the state and providing relief for parents.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the substantial allocation takes into consideration the high number of schools in Selangor at 933 and its large student population.
“With this early assistance, we believe we can lighten the burden on parents,” she said after attending the Chinese New Year celebration and presenting BAP cheques to Selangor JPN director Jafri Abu at the Yu Hua Chinese Secondary School today.
“The amount of RM150 (per student) should be given in full to the parents. If there are complaints (about deductions), we will investigate and demand for a refund.”
Addressing recent claims about alleged deductions in BAP payments to students, Fadhlina stressed that schools must adhere to established guidelines by handing over the full amount of RM150 to alleviate the burden on parents and guardians.
Recently, the media reported an individual claiming that his child only received RM50 in BAP and that the school had deducted RM100, purportedly as payment for the Parent-Teacher Association and its cooperative.
Last week, the Education Ministry announced that the full BAP payment must be made without deductions, and it would take note of the complaints raised regarding the distribution of funds to students.
She urged the public to lodge a report with the ministry if there are any cases of BAP deductions to ensure a probe into the matter.
Any inquiries or complaints regarding the school aid payment can be made through the Public Complaints Management System.
This year, the Federal government has allocated RM788 million to implement BAP, a substantial increase from the RM450 million provided last year.
In total, the Education Ministry received RM58.7 billion in allocation to ensure education remains a primary component of the country’s development.
