KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will receive RM76.29 million in Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) for 2026, benefiting 508,631 Malaysian pupils in 1,298 schools statewide, said Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib.
James said the allocation reflects continued federal commitment to education and helps ease early-year schooling costs for families.
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Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony, he said the one-off RM150 assistance per pupil, provided universally regardless of income since 2023, supports parents while encouraging pupils to focus on learning.
Nationally, RM794.25 million has been allocated for BAP in 2026, the 14th year of the initiative introduced in 2012, with distribution to schools beginning on January 8.
James reminded school heads that no deductions or collections are permitted from the assistance and thanked the State Education Department and district offices for ensuring orderly and timely distribution across Sabah.
