A total of RM 800 million in Early Schooling Aid (Bantuan Awal Persekolahan-BAP) has been approved to benefit 5.2 million school-going children nationwide, the Education Ministry announced.
The ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, said the RM150 assistance per student is intended to help parents manage essential back-to-school expenses, including uniforms, shoes, and stationery, particularly at the start of the academic year.
Aid Disbursement Begins This Week
Aminuddin said the disbursement of the BAP began this week, with funds handed directly to students rather than credited into bank accounts.
“We use the method of direct cash distribution to students instead of crediting bank accounts because we want the children themselves to feel the assistance and understand that the government is supporting their education,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after presenting the BAP to primary and secondary school students.
Labuan Receives RM 2.7 Million Allocation
In Labuan, a total of 19,001 students from government and government-aided schools receive the assistance, involving an allocation of RM2.7 Million, Aminuddin said.
Aminuddin noted that the Early Schooling Aid is part of a wider support framework administered by the Education Ministry, which currently oversees 18 different assistance schemes for school-going children. These include aid related to sports participation, co-curricular activities, and student welfare.
“These initiatives reflect the government’s seriousness and commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints and that students of all backgrounds can focus on their studies,” he said.
Supporting School Readiness and Attendance
He added that early financial assistance plays a crucial role in encouraging school attendance and readiness, especially for families with multiple school-going children as the new school term begins.
The Early Schooling Aid continues to be one of the government’s key measures to support families and promote equitable access to education nationwide.
Sources: NST
