NUTP: Ensure RM69bil education budget reaches schools that need it most
KUALA LUMPUR: Spending under the Education Ministry's nearly RM69 billion allocation in the 2027 Budget must be prioritised according to actual needs, particularly school safety and well-being, says the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP).
The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has urged the Education Ministry to focus spending under its RM69 billion budget in the 2027 allocation on actual needs, particularly school safety and well-being. NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon emphasized that the largest ministry allocation must be managed transparently and distributed efficiently for meaningful improvements in schools.
He stressed that wastage should be avoided, and spending should be prioritized based on actual needs, especially in critical areas involving school safety and well-being. Transparency and efficiency are crucial given the substantial funding, which includes RM2 billion for repairs and maintenance across all types of schools. While the allocation highlights upgrades to school security, such as installing CCTV cameras, Singon argued that security services should extend beyond gate monitoring to comprehensive security checks within the premises.
UKM education expert Dr Anuar Ahmad welcomed the substantial allocation but called for greater clarity on its distribution and spending. He questioned the lack of specific announcements on school safety and emphasized the need for attention to this issue. Ahmad also welcomed the increased TVET funding from RM6 billion to RM8 billion, which would benefit students in skills-based education and improve employment prospects.
He stressed the urgency of addressing dilapidated schools to ensure no student is left behind or forced to study in poor conditions.
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