S’wak receives highest amount; aid to narrow gap between urban and rural students
EDUCATION AID: Muhyiddin presents the mock-up cheques to all recipients after delivering his message to the Education Ministry, at the Putrajaya Convention Centre. — Bernama photo
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday presented school aid totalling RM2.49 billion to 16 state education departments and seven divisions under the Education Ministry.
Muhyiddin, who also the Education Minister, presented the mock-up cheques to all recipients after delivering the 2011 special message to the Education Ministry, at the Putrajaya Convention Centre, here.
According to the ministry’s statement, the aid was given to narrow down the education gap between students in the urban and rural areas, rich and poor, normal and those with special needs, besides helping those affected by disasters.
“It is also aimed at reducing the burden of parents or guardians in financing the children’s needs at government or government-aided schools nationwide, besides ensuring that the children can continue to attend school in line with the Compulsory Education Policy 2003,” the statement said.
The allocation will be distributed through 22 types of aid including the Food Supplementary Programme, School Uniform Aid, Federal Scholarship, University Preparation Scholarship, Sports Scholarship, Allowance for Students With Special Needs, Special School Fees, Hostel Meal Aid, Penan and Orang Asli Adult Class and Poor Students Trust Fund.
Among the state education departments, Sarawak received the highest allocation amounting to RM393 million, followed by Sabah (RM246 million), Selangor (RM208 million), Kelantan (RM180 million), Johor (RM178 million), Perak (RM159 million) and Kedah (RM139 million).
The Boarding School and Excellent School Management Division, on the other hand, received the highest allocation among the ministry’s divisions at RM117 million, followed by the Technical and Vocational Education Division (RM114 million) and Special Education Division (RM99 million).
“The government hopes the school aid will motivate the students to pursue their studies to the highest level possible to become a creative, innovative and skilled human capital and contribute to the development of the nation,” the statement said. — Bernama