Malaysia: The government is considering extending monthly allowances to Form Six students, similar to those currently provided to students in the Matriculation Programme, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today. He stated that this proposal aligns with the restructuring of pre-university education, following the transfer of Form Six administration from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Higher Education.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his agreement that allowances for Form Six and matriculation students should be equalised. The policy decision has been made, and efforts are now underway to develop the implementation mechanism. He addressed this issue during a friendly session with the community at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) and the Form Six Centre at the IPG Temenggong Ibrahim Campus.

Anwar was responding to a question from a Form Six student regarding the lack of allowances for Form Six students, despite both Form Six and matriculation students being at the pre-university level. Currently, matriculation students receive the Matriculation Student Living Allowance (BSHP) of RM250 per month.

He emphasized the importance of providing equitable access to facilities and financial support, including scholarships, for students pursuing pre-university studies, whether in Form Six or matriculation. Anwar added that the government's broader reform of the pre-university system aims to strengthen the status of both pathways.

Previously, Anwar announced that the Ministry of Higher Education would fully oversee the pre-university education system, encompassing both Form Six and matriculation, beginning this year. This move will formally recognize students in both programmes as part of the higher education ecosystem.