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Kota Kinabalu: The education sector in Sabah continues to be strengthened with the implementation of 16 support programmes aimed at ensuring no student in the state is left behind from mainstream education.

Deputy State Secretary Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Mohd Kassim said these initiatives include various forms of assistance such as financial aid, transportation support, learning equipment like laptops and school maintenance.

“This is something we’ve been doing for several years now, with different phases implemented throughout the year. 

“As mentioned earlier, we currently have 16 assistance programmes. 

“These initiatives have been ongoing for almost four to five years, and we continue to monitor and improve how best we can serve our children,” he said during a media interview at the Sabah State Education Aid Presentation Ceremony here, on Tuesday.

Hanafiah stressed that education is a long-term investment that is crucial for building the next generation of leaders in Sabah.

“We all know that Sabah’s education status is still slightly behind. 

“So, we must continue these assistance programmes for the sake of our students and the future generation of Sabah.

“This is an important investment in our youth because they will be the ones leading us when we retire one day. 

“If the budget is approved, more new initiatives will be introduced next year,” he added. Among the key programmes implemented are minor grants for maintenance of underprivileged schools (under RM50,000), support for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and Form Six student fee subsidies.

Meanwhile, Sabah State Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin said that Sabah’s SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) exam performance has shown significant improvement over the past three years.

“Out of 14 districts, 10 have achieved a District Average Grade (GPD) below 5.00.

“This improvement is the result of strong collaboration between the state government, Ministry of Education, teachers, and parents.

“Continued support from the state government will be the catalyst for a new educational landscape in Sabah that focuses on holistic development and academic excellence,” he said.

During the ceremony, Hanafiah also presented several key education aid initiatives, including the Special Education Assistance Programme (BANTU), Sabah Student Secretariat (SEMESTA), Sabah Education Excellence Awards (AKSA), Symbolic Handover of Aid Initiatives to JPNS, Appreciation to the Special Tasks Unit of the Deputy State Secretary’s Office (PTSKN, TTK), and the Laptop Assistance Programme (BAIK).