Perak: A total of 123 Sekolah Inspirasi in Perak are set to implement high-impact educational programmes following the receipt of RM12.3 million allocated by the Ministry of Education (MOE) under its school reform initiative.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Salmah Abd Murad, the deputy director of MOE's Daily School Management Section (BPSH), stated that each selected school, comprising 60 secondary and 63 primary schools, received RM100,000. This funding is part of a broader effort under the Malaysian Education Blueprint (RPM) 2026-2035 to enhance the quality of education across the state.

Salmah explained that the allocation is aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning, strengthening school leadership, enhancing teachers' professionalism, and significantly improving student outcomes. She conveyed these details to reporters during a presentation ceremony at the Perak Education Department's multipurpose hall.

The programmes funded by this allocation are designed to boost student achievement, particularly in key areas such as Bahasa Melayu, English, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Schools have been granted flexibility to design programmes that also focus on character development, teacher professionalism, and creating engaging learning environments.

Salmah highlighted that while these programmes were initially planned by the schools themselves, the additional funding allows for their expansion and increased effectiveness. Initiatives include efforts to beautify school environments, making them more appealing to students, thereby encouraging attendance and enhancing interest in learning.

Selection of the schools was based on assessments conducted under the Malaysian Education Quality Standard (SKPM). Furthermore, the ministry is promoting the sharing of expertise among schools, involving excellent teachers and institutions with best practices to elevate the standards of recipient schools.

This initiative is part of a nationwide effort involving 1,500 schools, with funds being distributed from this month and expected to be fully utilized by the end of the year.