SERIAN: The Sarawak Government has received allocation amounting to RM62 million under the ‘Bantuan Awal Persekolahan’ (BAP) 2026 initiative, benefiting 413,380 students across 1,460 schools statewide.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting students’ education, ensuring no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
“BAP is not just financial aid to ease parents’ burden at the start of the school year. It is also moral support, highlighting the importance of education as a foundation for the nation’s future development,” he said during the BAP handover event at SJK(C) Chung Hua Batu 35 here today.
The minister encouraged parents and guardians to use the aid to motivate students toward excellence, stressing that education is a long-term investment with positive impacts on personal growth and national development.
He also reminded school principals and heads that no deductions or fees should be taken from BAP funds.
“This ensures transparency and that all students receive the full benefit of the assistance,” he added.
Expressing appreciation, Sagah also thanked the State Education Department, Serian District Education Office (PPD Serian), and schools for their commitment in ensuring smooth BAP distribution.
“Let us work together to strengthen the synergy toward quality education, to nurture well-educated citizens for the prosperity of our state and country,” he said.
BAP was first introduced in 2012, providing RM100 one-off cash assistance to students from households earning RM3,000 or less.
In 2023, the amount was increased to RM150 per student and extended to all students regardless of income, to ensure equal access to quality education.
For 2026, a total of RM794.25 million has been allocated nationwide for students from Year 1 to Form 6, with RM730.51 million already distributed to schools starting January 8.
In Serian district, a total of RM3,738,600 has been earmarked, reaching 24,924 students across 108 schools.
At SJK(C) Chung Hua Batu 35, RM28,050 has been distributed to 187 students.
