Perak: More than RM53.1 million has been allocated for Early Schooling Aid (BAP) benefiting 354,540 students across 1,101 schools in Perak, announced Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh. The funds have been distributed to 12 district education offices, ensuring each student receives RM150, irrespective of their family's economic background or income.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the distribution of BAP will begin today, with primary school students receiving cash payments through their parents, while secondary school students will have the option of cash or bank transfers to their or their parents' accounts. This was disclosed during a press conference following the presentation of a mock check for BAP at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Wan Hwa 1.

Present at the event were Perak Education Director Safuan Raba'ai, Perak State Assembly Deputy Speaker Jenny Choi Tsi Jen, and Gopeng Member of Parliament Tan Kar Hing. Specific district allocations include RM14.1 million for Kinta Utara PPD, RM6.8 million for Larut Matang and Selama PPD, and RM5.9 million for Manjung PPD, among others.

Wong also highlighted the extension of BAP to Form Six students starting this year, with payments set to be disbursed next month. Approximately 100,000 Form Six students nationwide are expected to benefit from a projected allocation of RM15 million, underscoring the Ministry of Education's efforts to support and promote Form Six education following the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination.