Mustapha: 413,380 Sarawak students to benefit from RM62 mln Early Schooling Assistance allocation

KUCHING (Jan 12): Sarawak has been allocated with RM62 million for the Early Schooling Assistance (BAP), involving 413,380 students and 1,460 schools, said Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) stated that the federal Budget 2026 has approved a total allocation of RM794.25 million to the Ministry of Education (KPM) for the distribution of BAP to students nationwide.

“The BAP will be distributed to students nationwide from Year 1 to Form 6 or its equivalent for the 2026 school session, regardless of parents’ or guardians’ income,” he said during his speech at the BAP Handover Ceremony at SMK Petra Jaya here on Monday.

He added that RM730.51 million has already been channelled to schools nationwide for distribution to eligible students beginning Jan 8.

When met after the ceremony, Mustapha revealed that the Sejahtera Madani Initiative, amounting to RM370,000, has begun to be distributed to 740 households listed under the e-Kasih database for phase one.

“The assistance is provided in the form of RM500 vouchers for primary school students,” he added.

He further explained that assistance for secondary school students is still under discussion and is expected to be implemented within the year.

“Discussions are currently underway, and I have been informed that coordination is being carried out with the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to possibly establish National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) accounts for these students, to help them prepare for university or higher levels of education,” he said.

Mustapha also noted that these initiatives reflect Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s ongoing efforts to eradicate extreme poverty, especially among the lowest-income groups in the country.

“One of these efforts includes providing assistance such as the early schooling aid to children who are in need,” he added.

At SMK Petra Jaya alone, a total of 1,303 students each received RM150 in cash under the BAP initiative, with an overall allocation of RM195,450 channelled to the school through the State Education Department (JPN).