RM67 million cash assistance for pupils, students in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The State Education Department has received total of RM67 million Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) cash assistance, involving 448,944 pupils and students from 1,298 primary and secondary schools in Sabah.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation cum Education Exco Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said this after handing over BAP to 24 District Education Offices (PPD) on Thursday.
“My hope this BAP cash assistance will achieve its objective and be able to have a positive impact on the target group.
“In addition, it is hoped that students and the community in particular can be made aware of the importance of education in order to change the fate of the family and thus be able to become a knowledgeable generation.
“In order to achieve all these wishes, the government will continue to work hand in hand with the Education Department in the state,” he said during the handing over ceremony at SK Malawa in Sepanggar.
In his speech, Mohd Arifin also said apart from BAP from the Federal Government, the State Government has also prepared various education assistance namely Special Examination Cash Assistence (Bakti), Sabah Education Excellence Award (Aksa), Sabah School Assistance (Bisbah), Sabah PTA Activity Assistance (Bagus), One Off IPT Registration Cash Assistance (Budi) and Computer Assistance (Baik).
Mohd Arifin also said the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) provides loans and scholarships to give more opportunity to students in pursuing their studies locally or internationally.
“Priority of these assistance are given to outstanding students regardless of their race.
“The government has allocated a large amount of money for the development of human capital based on STEM education, conducting courses and training skills in the fields of technology, technical, trade and TVET,” he added.