Education Ministry commits to earlier BAP disbursement after parent complaints, with RM150 aid for 5.2 million students starting cash handouts this week.
PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Education has committed to distributing the Early Schooling Aid much earlier starting next year.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the move follows complaints from parents about the aid being given out during the first week of this year’s school term.
“From next year onwards, we will continue to improve, and we will take the suggestion seriously,” she told a media conference.
She stated this means the BAP will be distributed earlier so preparations can begin sooner.
The one-off RM150 cash payment is for 5.2 million students from Year One to Form Six.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM800 million allocation for the aid.
Parents are required to be present at schools to receive the assistance starting from January 11.
The aid distribution reverts to cash handouts at schools via parent-teacher meeting programmes this year.
“I hope parents will use this RM150 for their children’s schooling needs,” Fadhlina added.
She also urged parents to come to school to receive the aid and meet with teachers.
In a separate development, Fadhlina said the Cabinet would discuss expectations of a possible school bus fare increase.
“I will bring this up at the Cabinet meeting, and we will look at it comprehensively,” she said.
Media reports indicated school bus operators are expecting fare hikes due to rising operating costs.
