PUTRAJAYA (Oct 10): The Ministry of Education (MOE) will focus on the welfare of students and teachers, as well as school maintenance and the construction of new schools, utilising the allocation of nearly RM69 billion announced in the 2027 Budget.
In a statement Saturday, the MOE indicated that its priorities include continuing the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) programme, the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT), the Cost of Living Allowance for Form Six students, and the allowance for students with special educational needs (MBPK).
According to the ministry, attention is also being directed towards teacher welfare and professionalism to ensure the well-being of educators is upheld, in line with efforts to enhance the quality of the nation's education system.
"The Ministry of Education is committed to implementing and translating the allocation of nearly RM69 billion announced in the 2027 Budget, thereby supporting the vision of 'Quality Education, Educated Individuals, Prosperous Nation','" the statement read.
The MOE noted that school maintenance and construction of new projects are also key priorities, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the 2027 Budget presentation on Friday.
According to the ministry, the increased allocation not only reflects the government's commitment to the education sector but also represents a significant responsibility that must be translated into effective implementation, directly benefitting students, teachers, and the entire education community.
"In this regard, the MOE will strengthen its operations with a focus on high-impact outcomes to ensure that every allocation is utilised optimally, based on the priorities and needs of MOE stakeholders," the statement added.
The ministry also emphasised its commitment to ensuring that all 2027 Budget initiatives are implemented based on efficient financial governance and integrity.
During the 2027 Budget presentation in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the MOE would continue to receive the largest allocation, nearly RM69 billion, up from RM66.2 billion this year.
Key focus areas include doubling the allocation for the repair and maintenance of all types of schools from RM1 billion to RM2 billion.
Anwar said the allocation for National Schools (SK) has increased to RM900 million, while the allocation for National-Type Chinese Schools (SJKC) has risen to RM100 million, and Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT) to RM50 million.
In addition, nearly RM1.3 billion has been allocated to upgrade 682 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.
Anwar also announced an increase in the School Early Assistance (BAP) from RM150 to RM200 per student for the 2027 school session, benefitting 5.3 million students with an allocation of RM1 billion.
Furthermore, the government has agreed to provide a cost-of-living allowance of RM2,500 to Form Six students.
Uploaded by Liza Shireen Koshy