A TOTAL RM82.1 billion has been allocated for the education and higher education ministries under the 2025 National Budget to upgrade schools, improve student support, and boost research and development in universities.
RM64.1 billion is set aside for the Ministry of Education, while RM18 billion will go to the Ministry of Higher Education.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when tabling the budget today said the increased budget reflects the government’s commitment to improving education access and quality, particularly for disadvantaged communities.
“This increase in funding reflects the government’s dedication to ensuring that every child, no matter their background, has access to quality education.
“We are committed to upgrading facilities, expanding access to higher education, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” Anwar said in parliament today.
For the Ministry of Education, the government has allocated RM2 billion for the upgrading and maintenance of schools across the country while a further RM1 billion will be used specifically to address dilapidated school buildings, particularly in national, Chinese, Tamil, religious, military camp schools, and schools for special needs children.
The construction of 44 new schools is set to commence next year, while the government will also allocate RM870 million for the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT), benefiting over 860,000 students.
In addition to this, nearly RM800 million will be channelled towards early schooling aid to help ensure children receive sufficient support from the start of their education, he said.
The Prime Minister said RM1 billion has been allocated to upgrade 543 dilapidated schools nationwide, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak where the two states also require improvements in terms of infrastructure, especially in the rural areas.
“The development gap between the states needs to be narrowed, especially in terms of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and clean water,” Anwar said as he stressed the importance of ensuring equitable education for all students.
For higher education, the RM18 billion allocation will support scholarships, loans, and research development.
The government has allocated RM4 billion for scholarships, loans, and education allowances, while PTPTN will provide RM500 million in educational loans, with a focus on students pursuing STEM-related subjects, he said.
Anwar also announced an RM600 million allocation for research and development under the higher education and science, technology, and innovation ministries.
As part of the government’s push towards advancing technological capabilities, RM50 million will be directed towards teaching AI-related subjects at research universities, and RM20 million will be used by UiTM to produce more engineers in the semiconductor sector, he added.
“We are preparing our students for the future, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, AI, and semiconductor industries,” Anwar stated.
Meanwhile, tax relief for savings in the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) has been extended for another three years to encourage families to save for their children's education, he said.
The budget also provides a significant boost for technical and vocational education and training (TVET), with RM7.5 billion allocated to industry collaboration and training programs for marginalised youth, including those from urban poor, rural, and indigenous communities.
GiatMara will also provide short-term training for 3,000 gig workers, with RM55 million set aside to train 10,000 children from tahfiz and Pondok schools over five years.
“This budget is about more than just spending on education; it is about building a future where every Malaysian child has the opportunity to succeed, where our universities lead in innovation, and where our workers are equipped with the skills for tomorrow’s economy,” Anwar said. - October 18, 2024
