Malaysia’s RM150 early schooling aid helps parents with uniforms and books, easing financial strain for over 5 million students nationwide.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s RM150 Early Schooling Assistance (BAP) is providing crucial relief for parents facing back-to-school expenses.
Allocated from an RM800 million fund, the aid benefits 5.2 million students from Year One to Form Six nationwide.
For Hafizah Alli, a mother of three in Sarawak, the assistance is a vital lifeline despite its modest sum.
ALSO READ: Parents urged to attend school for BAP aid distribution
“When the school season begins, we really have to think carefully about many things,” she told Bernama.
Her family carefully budgets the RM150 per child for essential items like uniforms, where prices have risen to nearly RM50 per pair.
Urban parents like public sector employee Siti Wardah also feel the strain each new term brings.
She said the BAP helps ease the load for her four school-going children in Kuala Lumpur.
Some parents expressed hope the assistance could be distributed earlier to avoid initial out-of-pocket spending.
Social expert Prof Dr Mohamad Fazli Sabri said the aid’s social impact is significant despite the amount.
“The amount may seem small to some, but the social impact is significant,” said the Universiti Putra Malaysia dean.
He noted the distribution through schools also fosters valuable interaction between parents and teachers.
Economist Dr Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin views BAP as a small-scale economic stimulus.
He estimates about 80% of the RM150 is typically spent immediately on school necessities.
This spending injects cash flow into local retail, clothing, and stationery sectors, he explained.
From a macroeconomic perspective, the RM800 million allocation directly impacts the domestic economy.
The spending cycle benefits many entrepreneurs and businesses in both urban and rural areas.
Mohamad Abdullah, president of a hawkers association, said BAP contributes to greater local economic vibrancy.
Muhammad Iqmal acknowledged the sum may not cover full costs amid rising prices.
He said it remains a relevant short-term investment to help children start the school year comfortably.
The aid also carries an implicit message about appreciating resources and building financial discipline.
Ultimately, the financial assistance eases today’s burden while building a foundation for children’s future. – Bernama
