Early Schooling Assistance allocation increases to RM800 million for 2026, benefiting over 5.2 million students nationwide to prevent dropouts
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s commitment to strengthening education is reflected in the continuous increase of Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) allocations.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said this ensures no student drops out due to financial constraints.
In a Facebook post, Ramanan stated the BAP initiative began in 2023 with an allocation of RM765 million, benefiting 5.1 million students nationwide.
The allocation rose to RM788 million in 2024 and RM791 million in 2025.
For 2026, the government has further expanded the initiative with an expected allocation of RM800 million.
This will benefit more than 5.2 million recipients, including Form Six students.
Ramanan said the consistent rise in funding aligns with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s aspiration.
The goal is to ensure no Malaysian child is forced to leave school due to financial hardship.
“Beginning Jan 11, BAP assistance of RM150 will be distributed in stages to all Malaysian students,” he said.
The aid is provided regardless of race, religion, school stream or family background.
“I hope parents and guardians will make full use of this assistance by planning carefully to meet their children’s schooling needs,” he added in the post.
Ramanan cited Sekolah Kebangsaan Subang Bestari as an example.
A total of 2,363 students there will receive BAP in 2026, with an initial distribution of nearly RM355,000.
The figure is expected to increase in line with student enrolment.
