Kuala lumpur: Government cost-saving measures in drafting Budget 2027 will not affect the Ministry of Education's (MOE) key plans, particularly in the recruitment of new teachers and the construction of additional classrooms, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She also assured that the measures would not disrupt beneficiaries of the Supplementary Food Programme (RMT), which she described as essential for students' nutritional intake.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadhlina emphasized that repairs to dilapidated schools and building maintenance will continue as usual. She assured the public that, despite the importance of cost-saving measures, the ministry's priorities would remain unaffected. This statement was made during an international symposium on literature, translation, and artificial intelligence at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).

Fadhlina further stated that the MOE will ensure that any cost-saving measures will not impact the rollout of the new curriculum next year or the intake of six-year-old children into Year One.

On May 29, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim suggested that Budget 2027 will focus on cost-saving measures due to global economic pressures affecting the country's fiscal position. This includes considerations for the MOE and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). Anwar noted that global geopolitical uncertainties, such as tensions following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, have influenced the global economy, necessitating more prudent government spending.

Regarding the RM100 book voucher for secondary school students under the MOE and students of public higher education institutions (IPTAs), which was announced by the Prime Minister during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) 2026, Fadhlina confirmed it will be distributed once the school session resumes.