GEORGE TOWN: The RM64.1 billion allocation announced for the Education Ministry in the 2025 Budget should be used to improve the quality of education and the morals and ethics of future generations.
Consumers' Association of Penang president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the breakdown of discipline and gangsterism among students must be addressed and rectified.
He said teachers must be properly trained to instil good values in children.
"Rote learning must give way to creative thinking. There must be close cooperation between parents and schools to ensure students benefit from their education and become useful and responsible citizens," he said in a statement.
The Education Ministry received RM64.1 billion in the 2025 Budget — the highest in history.
Numerous bullying cases have been reported in schools nationwide, sparking widespread outrage.
It was reported that a total of 9,207 bullying cases were recorded in schools nationwide from 2021 to October last year.
All the cases had been investigated, followed by follow-up actions, especially in terms of guidance and counselling.
Meanwhile, CAP lauded the measures outlined in the 2025 Budget, aimed at consolidating an economy weakened by decades of dependence on imports, flawed agricultural policies, corruption, and poor programme implementation.
It said the underlying policy to help the needy and tax the rich was also welcomed.
Mohideen said the RM45.3 billion allocation for the Health Ministry, if productively utilised, should helped to relieve the pressure on public hospitals and improve their services.
He said the imposition of a charge on the wealthy seeking treatment in public hospitals was justified.
"The focus of health care should be on preventing sickness and not merely curative," he added.