PUTRAJAYA: The Education Ministry has stated that the RM58.7 billion allocation for education in Budget 2024 highlights the continued prioritization of education in order to achieve the goal of building a viable and globally competitive Malaysia. The ministry also mentioned that a total of RM2.5 billion will be used 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. Additionally, RM82 million has been allocated for the construction of 26 new preschool buildings.
The Education Ministry acknowledged its responsibility to utilize the allocated budget effectively in order to contribute to the development of the country’s education system. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the tabling of Budget 2024, highlighted that education continues to receive the largest allocation in the national budget, with the Education Ministry receiving RM58.7 billion compared to RM55.2 billion in the previous year.
The Education Ministry further announced that RM1.9 billion will be allocated for the upgrading and maintenance of schools nationwide. This includes RM930 million for improving dilapidated buildings and facilities at 450 schools, with 185 projects in Sarawak and 155 projects in Sabah. Furthermore, RM1 billion will be dedicated to maintaining all types of schools, including special education schools focusing on the needs of autistic students.
RM220 million has been allocated for the development of two new Islamic education institutions, including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Jempol in Negri Sembilan. The income criteria for parents applying for the Federal Small Scholarship for their children will also be expanded, based on the Poverty Income Line of RM2,589 from RM1,500. Additionally, the Poor Students’ Trust Fund assistance, previously available to Form One students, will now be extended to Form Three students, benefiting one million students with an allocation of RM150 million.
The budget also includes RM100 million for the empowerment of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), specifically for maintaining and upgrading school computer laboratories and acquiring new equipment for STEM learning. Infrastructure and support equipment for students with special needs will be prioritized, with RM180 million allocated for the construction of 18 new special needs blocks in schools such as SMK Kubang Rotan in Kedah, Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Perda in Penang, and SMK Dato’ Ali Ahmad in Perlis.
An additional RM30 million has been allocated to provide special education support equipment and disabled-friendly facilities in schools, while RM100 million will be used to implement a holistic approach involving all parties in assisting students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Education Ministry also expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative to provide RM2.4 billion for the construction, maintenance, and refurbishment of civil servant quarters, including teachers’ quarters. The ministry also emphasized the importance of promoting “karamah insaniah” (human dignity) among students. – Bernama
