PUTRAJAYA, February 7 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on affluent parents to consider redirecting their share of the RM150 Early Schooling Aid (BAP) to families in greater need. The finance minister emphasized the BAP scheme’s introduction as a result of reforms aimed at minimizing leakage and enhancing governance during his administration.
Anwar expressed his hope that those who are financially well-off would generously contribute their BAP entitlements to support less privileged families. The distribution of the RM150 cash aid, initiated in January, targets students across all primary and secondary schools, departing from the previous income-centric approach. Anwar addressed the bureaucratic challenges associated with the targeted distribution of BAP to specific groups and acknowledged the need for a more streamlined process.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek responded to concerns about some parents receiving only RM50 of BAP, urging them to report any discrepancies to the ministry. This initiative, allocated nearly RM800 million by the government, aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents as they prepare for the upcoming school term. Approximately 5.5 million students nationwide stand to benefit from the BAP program.
