The MADANI government increases BAP 2026 funding to a historic RM800 million, benefiting over 5.2 million pupils nationwide with a RM150 cash aid payment.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s allocation for the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) has reached a record high of RM800 million for 2026.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said the RM150 aid payment, distributed from Jan 11, reflects the MADANI government’s sustained investment in education.
“This is the highest allocation in the history of BAP’s implementation,” he said in a statement.
The initiative is expected to benefit more than 5.2 million recipients this year regardless of race, religion, or family background.
Wong highlighted the programme’s significant expansion since 2022.
The allocation was RM400.4 million for 2.7 million pupils from lower-income families in 2022.
It rose to RM765 million for 5.1 million pupils in 2023, followed by RM788 million in 2024 and RM791 million in 2025.
The ministry is also committed to retaining all pupils within the education system through innovative school models.
This includes Comprehensive Special Model 11 (K11) schools and floating schools for remote areas.
Two K11 schools in Perak began operations last year, with a third added this year.
These schools provide continuous education from Year One to Form Five at a single location.
The country’s first floating school was introduced at Tasik Banding in October 2025.
Wong said the floating school provides a flexible, community-based alternative learning space.
Enrolment has reached 70 pupils, helping Orang Asli children who previously faced long travel distances.
“These initiatives reflect the ministry’s continued commitment to ensuring every Malaysian child has access to quality and inclusive education,” he said.
