The Ministry of Education (MOE) has given it’s assurance that the Early Schooling Aid (Bantuan Awal Persekolahan, BAP) will be distributed earlier starting next year, following feedback from parents on the timing of this year’s disbursement.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry had take note of concerns raised by parents, particularly regarding the aid being given out during the first week of the school term, when many families had already incurred schooling expenses.
“It so happens that we just started the schooling session in January, so certainly, we received some grievances. From next year onwards, we will continue to improve, and we will take the suggestion seriously. Meaning (the BAP) will be distributed earlier so that preparations can begin sooner,” she added during a media conference after delivering her New Year message to MOE staff.
The announcement comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Finance Minister, revealed on 5th January 2026 an allocation of RM800 million for the Early Schooling Aid this year. Under the initiative, a one-off RM150 cash assistance will be provided to all students from Year One to Form Six, benefiting approximately 5.2 million students nationwide.
For this year, parents and guardians are required to be present at schools to receive the aid, with distribution beginning as early as 11th January. The assistance will be handed out in cash through school-based programmes, including parent-teacher meetings.
Fadhlina expressed hope that parents would fully utilize the RM150 aid for their children’s schooling needs, while also taking the opportunity to engage with teachers.
“I hope parents will use this RM150 for their children’s schooling needs and come to school to receive the aid and meet with the teachers to listen to the reports and also suggestions regarding their children,” she said.
Beyond the issue of early schooling aid, Fadhlina also addressed concerns surrounding a potential increase in school bus fares. She said the matter would be brought up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting later, noting that it would be examined comprehensively.
Her comments follow reports that the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Associations is anticipating a fare due to rising operational costs, including insurance premiums, drivers wages, and vehicle spare parts.
As the new school year gets underway, the ministry’s commitment to improving the timing of BAP disbursement is expected to provide parents with greater financial flexibility, while ongoing discussion on transportation costs signals a broader effort to address schooling-related expenses faced by families.
Sources: The Malaysian Reserve
