THE Education Ministry welcomed RM58.7 billion in allocations in the 2024 Budget, signalling a substantial boost for educational initiatives.
The ministry said the allocation, which is RM3.5 billion more than this year's RM55.2 billion, constituting the most significant share of the budget underscored the Madani government's commitment to prioritising the field of education.
"We aim to build a progressive and globally competitive Malaysia."
The ministry said it shouldered a major responsibility to ensure that allocations provided in the 2024 Budget were used effectively and had a positive impact on the nation's education development.
"We will emphasise the implementation of 'Karamah Insaniah' among school students. There will be programmes focusing on the expansion of character development by focusing on values such as leadership, self-esteem, etiquette and integrity.
"Additionally, a National Education Future Roadshow will be conducted to ensure that the ongoing National Education Development Plan takes into account the suggestions and concerns of parents, educators and the industry."
The allocations under the 2024 Budget will see the construction of at least 50 new schools and preschools.
"The ministry has approved the construction of 26 new schools at a cost of RM2.5 billion, including SMK Laya-laya in Sabah, SMK Baie in Sarawak, SMK Seri Melati in Pahang, SMK Bandar Universiti in Perak, and SMK Binjai in Kelantan.
"Additionally, a total of 26 new pre-schools will also be built at a cost of RM82 million, including in SK Abang Kadir Gedong, Sarawak, SK Bunut Rendang, Pahang and SJKC Chabau, Melaka.
"Also, RM220 million will be channeled to the establishment of two new Islamic educational institutions, which includes SMK Agama Jempol in Negri Sembilan under the purview of the ministry," said the ministry.
A total of RM1.9 billion will be channeled towards the upgrading and maintenance of schools nationwide as well as redeveloping dilapidated school buildings.
"RM930 million is designated to upgrade and redevelop dilapidated buildings in 450 schools, including 185 projects in Sarawak and 155 in Sabah.
Another RM1 billion is allocated for the maintenance of all types of schools, encompassing national schools, religious schools, Government-assisted schools as well as special education schools to meet the needs of autistic students," said the ministry.
The 2024 Budget also takes into account infrastructure and support equipment for students with special educational needs (MBPK).
"The government continues to strengthen and protect the wellbeing of students with special needs.
"The construction of 18 new special education blocks with a total cost of RM180 million was also approved, which include SMK Kubang Rotan in Kedah, SK Bandar Baru Perda in Penang, and SMK Dato' Ali Ahmad in Perlis," the ministry said.
"Additionally, RM30 million is set aside to acquire equipment to support special education and disability-friendly school facilities."
The ministry recorded a decrease in the participation of secondary students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, to 40.94 per cent in 2022 from 45.2 per cent in 2017.
During the budget presentation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled an allocation of RM100 million for the maintenance and enhancement of school computer laboratories, as well as the procurement of new equipment for STEM education.
"A special interministerial committee will be established to set targets and strategies for increasing student participation in STEM fields among secondary school students.
"To enhance students' interest in STEM subjects, we will get industry representatives to be involved as educators. Equipment will also be provided," he said.
The ministry applauded the move to expand student education assistance in the budget, benefitting one million students with an allocation of RM150 million.
"The government is expanding the income criteria for parents to apply for Federal Small Scholarships (BKP) for their children, based on the poverty income link (PGK) of RM2,589 from RM1,500.
"This will provide an opportunity for an additional 35,000 students from low-income families to receive BKP," it said.
"The provision of assistance from the Underprivileged Student Trust Fund (KWAPM) is expanded to students up to Form 3, compared with Form 1 previously, to ensure that poor children are not left behind in education."
Noting that some students continue to lag behind due to school closures during the pandemic, RM100 million has been set to assist these affected students with the engagement of all stakeholders.
The ministry also welcomed the government's initiative to allocate RM2.4 billion for constructing, maintaining and improving public servants' quarters, including teachers' quarters.
The prime minister said education was a significant criterion to be measured in the Human Development Index (HDI).
"For Malaysia to be ranked 25th in the world in the Human Development Index (HDI), education remains the primary component receiving the highest allocation in the second Madani budget," he said.
"Without education and liberty, that soil and the sun of mankind, no reform is possible, and no measure can give the result desired," Anwar was quoted as saying, citing the Filipino freedom fighter Jose Rizal.