NIBONG TEBAL: The book voucher programme may be extended to teachers in future following its successful implementation for students last year, says the Education Ministry.
Minister Fadhlina Sidek said she plans to present a proposal to the Cabinet, highlighting the programme’s 100% redemption rate in 2023.
“This is a significant achievement, and it wasn’t easy, but we managed it thanks to the commitment of all parties, especially teachers,” she said after presenting mock cheques for the Penang-level Early Schooling Aid (BAP) cash assistance at SK Seri Tasek here yesterday.
Fadhlina noted the remarkable success in rural areas, attributing it to strong collaboration nationwide.
She credited state Education Departments for ensuring every recipient redeemed their vouchers and emphasised the programme’s positive impact on fostering the reading habit among children.
Fadhlina said she would discuss the proposal for teachers to be given book vouchers with the Finance Minister and hoped the programme could continue, Bernama reported.
The Madani Book Voucher Programme, introduced on May 30, provided RM50 vouchers for primary school pupils and RM100 for secondary and tertiary students, redeemable until year-end.
A total of RM33.9mil was allocated for BAP to assist 226,004 students in Penang.