PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced an allocation of RM1.9 billion for the upgrading and maintenance of schools across the country next year.

Tabling Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat today, he said the allocation includes RM930 million for improving dilapidated buildings and facilities at 450 schools with 185 projects in Sarawak and 155 projects in Sabah.

“RM1 billion is allocated for the maintenance of all school types, including special education, focusing on the needs of autistic students,” he said.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said education remains the crucial component receiving allocations in the country’s budget planning with the Education Ministry (MOE) allocated RM58.7 billion compared with RM55.2 billion this year.

He said a total of 26 new schools will be built, with cost amounting to RM2.5 billion including SMK Laya-laya in Tuaran, Sabah, SMK Baie in Bintulu, Sarawak, SMK Seri Melati in Kuantan, Pahang, SMK Bandar Universiti in Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak and SMK Binjai in Kota Baru, Kelantan.

The government is also expanding the income criteria for parents applying for the Federal Small Scholarship for their children, based on the poverty line income of RM2,589 from RM1,500, he said, adding that this will benefit an additional 35,000 children from low-income families.

“To ensure that children from poor families do not miss out on education, the government has also agreed to extend the Poor Students’ Trust Fund assistance to Form 3 students, previously provided to Form 1 students. One million students are set to benefit from the allocation of RM150 million,” he said.

Anwar also announced that a special cross-ministerial science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) committee will be established to set targets and implement measures to increase the participation of secondary school students in these fields.

The government has also allocated RM100 million to maintain and upgrade school computer labs as well as procure new equipment to facilitate STEM learning, adding that industry representatives will also be involved as instructors, in addition to supplying equipment.

As part of efforts to empower and protect the wellbeing of special needs students, he said 18 new special needs blocks will be built with an allocation of RM180 million at SMK Kubang Rotan in Kedah, SK Bandar Baru Perda in Penang and SMK Dato Ali Ahmad in Perlis.

Anwar also announced an allocation of RM30 million to provide special needs support equipment and facilities for people with disabilities to facilitate the affairs of students and teachers in schools.

A total of RM100 million has been allocated to implement a holistic approach involving all quarters to help students who have fallen behind and require further guidance, with Malaysia recording the highest number of school closures against other countries in the region during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

The prime minister also said MOE will carry out the National Education Future tour to ensure that the National Education Development Plan currently being formulated also takes into account the suggestions and concerns of stakeholders.

“The cultivation of Karamah Insaniah (human dignity) among school children will be expanded in the implementation of character-building programmes that focus on leadership, personality, manners and integrity,” he added. – Bernama, October 13, 2023.