Education sector continues to get lion's share of budget

The education ministry received the lion's share of the budget for 2023 which was presented at the Dewan Rakyat by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz today. 

A total of RM55.6 billion was allocated to the ministry compared to RM52.6 billion the year before. 

This amount includes allocations for cash assistance, the settlement of education and development loans, and the upgrading of schools throughout the country. 

From as early as 2023 onwards, the government is expected to distribute initial schooling assistance of RM150, up from RM100 the previous year, to all students regardless of their parents' income level. 

The allocation for supplementary meal plans has also been increased from RM2.50 to RM3.50 for Peninsula Malaysia and RM3 to RM4 for students in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. 

The increase in rate will come into effect this month, with a total of RM777 million provided – an increase from RM280 million in 2020 due to the expanded number of recipients, the increase in rates and the provision of daily milk supplies, Zafrul said. 

"More than 800,000 students as well as 7,300 local food operators and milk suppliers will benefit from these improvements," he added when presenting the budget speech.

A total of RM2.3 billion has been set aside for the preparation of safe and conducive learning spaces for children. Of this, RM1.1 billion is meant for the maintenance and repair of national schools, Chinese and Tamil vernacular schools, and religious schools. 

Provisions have also been made for a 20% discount on PTPTN loan repayments from Nov 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. 

This rate will only apply to the full repayment of PTPTN loans. 

A 15% discount will be given for the repayment of the remaining 50% of debts, and 15% for payments in the form of salary deductions. 

Zafrul also proposed that the rate of living allowance sponsored by the Public Service Department for students and officers be standardised and increased by RM100 per month for all levels of study. 

This would bring the allowance to RM730 to over RM980 a month.