PM hints at STPM student allowances in upcoming budget
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hinted at good news regarding allowances for STPM students during the 2027 budget presentation.
- He stated that the Education Minister had raised the issue of STPM student allowances with the cabinet.
- Anwar also proposed new initiatives to reduce the education gap between urban and rural schools, including focusing on selected schools and encouraging corporate adoption of schools.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has signaled that students preparing for the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations may soon receive allowances. While unable to make a full announcement due to election laws during a Johor event, Anwar indicated that the matter has been considered by the cabinet and will be revealed during the 2027 budget presentation.
Responding to a student's question, the Prime Minister confirmed that the issue of STPM allowances had been brought forward by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. "I cannot announce more than that in Johor because it violates election regulations, but this matter was raised by Fadhlina some time ago," Anwar stated. "And I said, wait for the 2027 budget presentation, I will announce good news."
Beyond student allowances, Anwar also addressed the persistent education gap between urban and rural schools. He revealed new proposals for the Ministry of Education, including a pilot program to concentrate resources on 10 primary and 10 secondary schools in each district nationwide. The aim is to improve educational quality through focused attention. Additionally, he urged large, profitable companies to 'adopt' schools, providing assistance and enhancing facilities to elevate educational standards.
I cannot announce more than that in Johor because it violates election regulations, but this matter was raised by Fadhlina some time ago. And I said, wait for the 2027 budget presentation, I will announce good news.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.