Budget 2027: Form Six students to receive RM2,500 allowance, early school aid increases to RM200 per pupil

Kuala Lumpur, October 9 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in the Budget 2027 that Form Six students will receive a RM2,500 cost-of-living allowance, the same as matriculation students. This aid will benefit 90,000 students nationwide. Additionally, the government will increase early schooling assistance from RM150 to RM200 per pupil, with a RM1 billion allocation for 5.3 million pupils.

The assistance will be distributed through schools, allowing parents to meet their children's teachers and collaborate on academic progress and character development. The government will also allocate RM870 million for the Supplementary Food Programme, benefiting over 800,000 pupils. Furthermore, the School Public Donations Fund will be improved to allow voluntary contributions from parents, alumni, and the public for school operations, facility repairs, equipment purchases, and student programs, with tax deductions of up to 10% of aggregate income.

To reduce teachers' administrative workload, 200 primary schools with high pupil enrolment will receive additional teaching assistants, with further expansion planned following an effectiveness assessment.