THE Education Ministry has assured that more than RM100,000 in early schooling aid that was stolen in an incident in Beranang, Selangor will be reimbursed and distributed to students before the school session starts in March.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said her ministry was currently waiting for a response and approval from the Finance Ministry on the reimbursement.

“The lost money will be reimbursed. Don’t worry, it’s the children’s right (to receive the aid). We feel sorry over the error and regret that this incident occurred,” she said in a press conference after delivering her new year’s address to ministry staff in Putrajaya today.

She said the principal of the school would also be investigated according to the civil servants’ disciplinary code, because there was a breach of the standard operating procedure during the withdrawal of the funds.

The ministry, she said, had handed over the matter to be investigated by the police and the Selangor Education Department, and that the department had also met with the principal. The outcome of the probe will be announced later.

On Monday, more than RM100,000 in early school aid withdrawn from a bank by a school principal was reportedly stolen from his car. He was believed to have been alone during the withdrawal procedure. – Bernama, January 19, 2023.