KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM290 million has been allocated for the implementation of the Madani Book Voucher programme, involving over 3,558,024 school and tertiary-level students, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the vouchers could be redeemed and used by Dec 31.
He said primary school pupils (Year 4 and above) will receive a voucher worth RM50, while secondary school and tertiary-level students, such as those in Form Six, vocational colleges, and Teacher Education Institutes, will receive a voucher worth RM100.
As of Oct 21, a total of 1,915,110 school and tertiary-level students nationwide have redeemed the book vouchers. Of this number, 661,487 are primary school pupils, and 1,191,817 are secondary school students.
For vocational colleges, pre-university colleges, matriculation colleges and teacher education institutes, the total is 61,806 students.
"The total value of Madani book vouchers redeemed stood at RM157 million as of Oct 21, with a total purchase value of RM120.5 million, involving 3.9 million copies of books," he said in response to Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timor).
Lee had asked about the status of the distribution of book vouchers, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the total allocation provided for the programme.
Wong said to ensure the successful implementation of the Madani Book Voucher programme by year-end, the ministry had conducted engagement sessions regarding the redemption of book vouchers with state education departments, district education offices and teachers in charge of libraries nationwide to assist students in redeeming the vouchers.
"'Data on redemptions from each state, district and school is continuously monitored to ensure a smooth and optimised redemption process.
"Overall, this programme not only supports the development of literacy among students but, with its substantial allocation, also aims to enhance access to quality educational resources, foster a love for reading, and promote lifelong learning for students at various educational levels in Malaysia."