Free Breakfast Programme may cost up to RM1.67b, says Maszlee

Putrajaya may spend between RM800 million up to RM1.67 billion annually for the Free Breakfast Programme to be implemented in all primary schools next year, said Education Minister Maszlee Malik (above).

"The estimated cost is between RM800 million and RM1.67 billion depending on the implementation method for 200 school days, the cost of raw material and supplying remote areas, including Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan," he told Dewan Rakyat during the question and answer session.

A total of 2.69 million pupils nationwide will benefit, he said.

He said there are two mechanisms for schools to implement the programme, where pupils will either be given cooked food together with fruits, or dairy products served with ready to eat food, including biscuits, bread and snacks.

The ministry planned to have the pupils take their breakfast inside the classrooms together with the teachers, who are also entitled to the free breakfast, he said.

"This is a practical move in terms of space and the close relationship between the teachers and the pupils. The teachers will have the opportunity to teach the pupils about the nutrition value of the food, and table manners," he said.

This will be part of the civics education that is implemented by the ministry, he said.

(More to follow) - Mkini