KUALA LUMPUR, October 10 — The government has announced a total allocation of RM84.8 billion for the education sector in Budget 2026 — RM66.2 billion for the Ministry of Education and RM18.6 billion for the Ministry of Higher Education — to ensure every Malaysian child and youth has access to quality learning and opportunities.
The reform aligns with the goals of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the newly passed Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, which makes secondary education compulsory, preparing future generations for an era defined by artificial intelligence, global competition, and climate challenges.
Under the Education MADANI agenda, nearly RM2 billion will be allocated to upgrade more than 520 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. The government will also construct 38 new schools nationwide — including in Johor, Penang, Selangor, Sabah, and Sarawak — and rebuild Tamil and Chinese vernacular schools in Pahang and Perak.
Additionally, RM200 million has been allocated to add classrooms and preschool facilities using the Industrial Building System (IBS), while RM150 million will go toward scholarships and school aid programs benefiting underprivileged students, alongside RM870 million for nutritious meal programmes and RM800 million in early schooling assistance for 5.2 million pupils.
The government will also enhance early childhood and special education, with new KEMAS kindergartens and taska, digital learning upgrades worth RM70 million, and two new special education schools in Selangor and Kelantan. Over RM700 million is set aside to expand special education blocks, while 150,000 OKU students will receive monthly allowances and improved facilities. Meanwhile, RM115 million will strengthen teacher training and STEM pedagogy in preparation for the 2027 curriculum.
In higher education, RM4.4 billion is allocated for scholarships, loans, and study allowances for students from low-income families, with double tax deductions for private companies funding scholarships. PTPTN borrowers from low-income families who graduate with first-class honours will enjoy loan exemptions, while 5,800 poor students in public universities will receive full PTPTN fee waivers.
The government will also develop Health Technopolis projects at UKM and UM, expand aeronautics education through UniMAP’s Air Space Sandbox and UTHM’s aviation programs, and support student welfare via Ikhtiar Dapur MADANI, campus jobs, and housing initiatives.
