Education Ministry to receive nearly RM69 billion in 2027 budget, highest allocation yet

In the 2027 budget, the Education Ministry is slated to receive almost RM69 billion, an increase from one outlet RM66.2 billion. The allocation for school repairs and maintenance will be doubled to RM2 billion, covering RM900 million for national schools, RM100 million for Chinese vernacular schools and RM50 million for Tamil vernacular schools. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the urgent need to address the poor condition of Tamil schools despite their smaller enrolment.

Funding for Sekolah Agama Rakyat, tahfiz institutions and pondok schools under the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will rise to RM200 million, with operational aid included. About RM1.3 billion will be used to refurbish 682 dilapidated schools, focusing on Sabah and Sarawak. To meet the anticipated intake of nearly 500,000 Year-One pupils, 3,500 new classrooms are to be built using the Industrialised Building System, alongside new schools and preschool facilities in locations such as Ipoh, Sepang, Kluang, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Keningau and Marang.