-The Star filepic
IPOH: The Education Ministry's Jalur Gemilang badge initiative is not taking any funds away from school safety or maintenance needs, says Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Responding to comments that the RM8.4mil allocation for the initiative could have been better spent on facilities, he said those matters were already addressed through other allocations.
ALSO READ: Education Ministry to distribute free Jalur Gemilang badges to students
"Every year, over RM600mil is set aside for school maintenance, RM400mil for emergency repairs and disaster response, and about RM800mil in 2023, and last year, specifically for upgrading school toilets," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Special Education Integrated Programme (PPKI) classroom at SJK (C) Chung Tack in Kg Simee here on Monday (Sept 29).
Wong said the badge initiative, launched in April, is aimed at instilling patriotism among students.
He said each badge costs only 75 to 80 sen, with two given to every student for a total of RM1.60 per person.
Wong said procurement was managed by state Education Departments and involved 91 local suppliers nationwide, dismissing claims of inflated costs and cronyism as false.
ALSO READ: RM8.4mil budget for students’ Jalur Gemilang badges
"Parents are also given flexibility, with the option to use stickers, sewn badges, or printed sports shirts, as long as the size and placement guidelines are followed," he added.
Education observer Dr Anuar Ahmad had said recently that the ministry must present the outcome of the Jalur Gemilang badge programme introduced in April, as the public has a right to know the impact of the initiative, especially in boosting patriotism among students.
Some parents also raised concerns about school safety priorities after a nine-year-old pupil died on Saturday (Sept 27) after falling into an uncovered sewer in his school in Lenggeng, near Seremban.
