Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced its plan to distribute the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) earlier, beginning next year. The decision comes in response to complaints from parents regarding the timing of this year's aid distribution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Fadhlina Sidek highlighted that the feedback from parents was due to the aid being provided during the first week of the school term. She explained that the schooling session started in January, which led to some grievances. The ministry is committed to improving the timing of the aid distribution, ensuring that it is given earlier to facilitate better preparation for schooling needs.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as the Finance Minister, announced a RM800 million allocation for a one-off BAP of RM150 to all students from Year One to Form Six this year. Parents are required to collect the assistance at schools starting January 11.

The BAP is a RM150 cash payment aimed at easing the financial burden on parents or guardians by helping with schooling essentials for 5.2 million students. This year, the aid will be distributed through cash handouts at schools during parent-teacher meeting programmes. Fadhlina urged parents to utilize this aid for their children's schooling needs and to engage with teachers during the collection process.

In other developments, Fadhlina mentioned that a Cabinet meeting scheduled for later today will address the potential increase in school bus fares. This follows reports from the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Associations, which anticipates a fare hike due to rising operating costs, including insurance, drivers' salaries, and vehicle spare parts.