Kota Kinabalu: A total of 496,541 students in Sabah will benefit from the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) initiative, with an allocation of over RM74.48 million set to be distributed across 1,295 schools statewide.
Education Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Ruji Ubi said this is to provide equal opportunities for all students to begin their school year on the right footing while encouraging excellence in education.
“I call on parents, guardians and students benefiting from the 2025 BAP to boost students’ motivation to strive for excellence and contribute meaningfully to their religion, race and nation,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the presentation of the 2025 BAP mock cheque for Sabah, officiated by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sembulan, Monday.
Ruji urged all District Education Offices (PPD) and schools to complete the aid distribution within one week before the school session ends.
“I also remind all school principals and headmasters that no deductions or fees should be taken from the BAP funds. We hope this message is clear and understood by everyone.
“The Ministry will monitor the distribution process to ensure it is done properly without any issues,” he said.
Ruji also encouraged parents to report to PPD or the State Education Department if any deductions are made by schools.
On the issue of dilapidated schools in Sabah, he said 122 renovation projects have been approved nationwide for 2025, with 52 located in the State.
“The approved budget for the Ministry’s infrastructure projects nationwide is RM6.3 billion, with RM1 billion allocated specifically for projects in Sabah.
“The distribution of these funds aims to ensure that school infrastructure and facilities are in good condition and conducive to teaching and learning,” he added.
Ruji said the Ministry will coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure that all repair works related to dilapidated schools in Sabah are implemented effectively..
The three entities are the Sabah Public Works Department, the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR) in the education works branch, and the development division at the Education Ministry.
“After this, I will have a meeting with Sabah JKR to ensure that the more than 50 projects in Sabah are implemented this year.”
Ruji also said there were still 482 dilapidated schools that required funds for facilities to be upgraded or rebuilt.
Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and State Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin.
