Fadhlina pledges ‘quality learning environment’ after RM64bil allocation

 

Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry is committed to improving the national education system.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

Education minister Fadhlina Sidek has pledged that students will receive comprehensive support and a quality learning environment after her ministry was allocated a record high RM64.1 billion in the 2025 budget.

Fadhlina, whose ministry also received the largest budget allocation this year at RM58.7 billion, said it is committed to improving the national education system.

Our children will benefit greatly (from the budget allocation) such as from the construction of new schools,

 she said at a press conference after the launch of an education carnival here today.

Additionally, renovations to canteens and suraus, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, are a continuation of our commitment to improve dilapidated schools.

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said 44 new schools and 34 new preschools will be constructed next year under the 2025 budget, which he tabled yesterday.

He said a total of RM2 billion has been allocated for the upgrading and maintenance of schools nationwide. This includes RM1 billion for maintaining all types of schools, particularly dilapidated classrooms, and RM1 billion for upgrading infrastructure in 543 schools, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

A total of RM5.3 billion has been allocated for 17 types of educational assistance, including RM2 billion in food assistance for boarding schools and RM870 million for the Supplementary Food Programme, which benefits more than 860,000 students.

Additionally, RM800 million has been allocated for Early Schooling Aid to all 5.2 million students from Year 1 to Form 5, regardless of their parents’ income.

A trust fund for poor students has also been increased to RM180 million from RM150 million previously, while RM100 million has been allocated for school facilities, including canteens and prayer rooms. - FMT