MALAYSIA BOOK VOUCHER
It will depend on the budget, says deputy education minister
THE government will retain Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia 2.0 but is undecided over continuing the 1Malaysia Book Vouchers programme. The government is also advised to look at a more effective mechanism to disburse BR1M.
THE government has yet to decide whether it wants to give out 1Malaysia Book Vouchers to eligible university and preuniversity students next year.
Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching said the ministry had yet to discuss the matter, adding that it would depend on the budget and that any announcement on the vouchers would be made by Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik.
She was speaking after opening the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Carnival at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here yesterday.
Present was UiTM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (research and innovation) Professor Dr Abdul Rahman Omar.
Teo was earlier asked to comment on the status of the book vouchers in the light of Pakatan Harapan’s commitment to reducing the country’s spending.
The 1Malaysia Book Voucher was introduced in 2012. Book vouchers worth RM200 each were given to eligible students, with the value increased to RM250 the following year.
Teo called on all parties, including education industry players, to make great strides in science and technology.
She said the move was necessary for Malaysians to create, explore and innovate products and services, as well as face global challenges.
“We need to change our old way of thinking that we are just technology users. We need to be able to create, explore and innovate.”