Education Ministry exploring ways to efficiently monitor aid allocations to schools through PTA

The Dewan Rakyat has been informed that efforts are being made to efficiently monitor aid allocations to government schools through School Management Boards and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA), according to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She stated that there are various dimensions to consider regarding how the funds will be distributed to schools. The majority of the funds will be managed by the State Education Department or District Education Offices, but they are also exploring methods of effectively monitoring funds distributed through School Management Boards and PTAs. Fadhlina made these remarks during her speech on the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (12MP MTR) on September 19.

In response to a question from BN-Ayer Hitam representative Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Dr Fadhlina addressed the mechanism used to allocate aid to needy schools. Dr Wee had inquired about whether the funds for repairs would be sent directly to the State Education Department or the school’s Management Board. He also stressed the importance of prioritizing repairs for schools, particularly those facing safety issues, and mentioned wiring systems as one of the most common threats to student safety.

In regards to the RM1.4 billion additional allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the repair of dilapidated schools earlier this year, Dr Wee raised the question of whether it would be used for wiring systems. Fadhlina responded by assuring that all schools would receive aid allocations and explained that the specific allocation depends on the type of application made. Furthermore, she mentioned that there are also allocations provided for toilet maintenance and other purposes for all Education Ministry schools.

The ongoing six-day special sitting in Parliament is dedicated to debating the 12th MP MTR.