Kuala lumpur: The back-to-school season often brought a familiar tightness in the chest, a worry over the growing list of essentials, especially for those with many children. However, families across the country have expressed relief with the continuation of the Early Schooling Aid (BAP), which provides RM150 per child to ease the financial burden during a costly time of the year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim stated that the assistance provided much-needed relief for parents, particularly those with multiple school-going children or limited disposable income. She emphasized that the Early Schooling Aid allows parents to plan ahead and equip their children with basic school necessities without last-minute financial stress, helping children start school on a more equal footing with their peers. Although the aid is helpful, she noted that it addresses only immediate needs and must be complemented by longer-term education affordability strategies. She expressed hope that the government would take a more holistic approach to supporting families and students throughout the academic year.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (MAGPIE) president Mak Chee Kin noted that the assistance, though modest, sent an important signal that education remained a national priority. He highlighted the positive impact of the aid, particularly for low and middle-income households facing rising living costs. While acknowledging that it may not solve deeper structural issues in education, he praised its immediate relief at a critical time for families, helping parents cover basic necessities such as uniforms, shoes, stationery, school bags, and other essential items. He also welcomed the inclusion of Form Six students in the aid program this year but urged for more flexible and efficient distribution methods, as requiring parents to be physically present at schools to receive the aid might inconvenience working parents, single parents, and those in rural areas.
Meanwhile, Atiqah Zulkhairi, a public servant with two children residing in Putrajaya, shared her appreciation for the schooling assistance, which has been very helpful in easing her family's financial burden, particularly at the beginning of the school term. She expressed gratitude for the government's concern in easing the financial strain on families, allowing parents to plan their finances more effectively.
On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, announced an RM800 million allocation to provide a one-off BAP of RM150 to all students from Year One to Form Six this year. Parents are required to be present at schools to receive the assistance. Earlier, the Education Ministry (MoE) announced that the BAP distribution would begin at schools as early as Jan 11.