RM76.29mil early schooling aid to benefit over 508,000 students in Sabah in 2026

Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk James Ratib 

KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM76.29 million in Early Schooling Assistance (Bantuan Awal Persekolahan, BAP) has been allocated to Sabah for 2026, benefiting 508,631 students across 1,298 schools statewide.

Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation minister Datuk James Ratib said the allocation underscored the Madani Government’s continued commitment to safeguarding student welfare and strengthening education as the foundation for building a competitive and knowledgeable future generation.

“The Early Schooling Assistance is very meaningful in easing parents’ financial burden, especially at the beginning of the school year. 

"It also serves as motivation for students to remain focused and excel in their studies,” he said at the cheque handover ceremony for the Sabah State Education Department’s BAP 2026.

Also present were Sabah State Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin and the Education Ministry’s Student Registration Management Unit chief assistant director Intan Suzana Abdul Rahman @ Abdullah.

James said the BAP, introduced in 2012 as a one-off cash assistance, was increased to RM150 per student beginning in 2023 and is now distributed universally regardless of household income.

For 2026, the initiative enters its 14th year with a total national allocation of RM794.25 million, which began being channelled to schools nationwide from Jan 8.

In Sabah, the RM76.29 million allocation has been distributed to schools through 24 district education offices, ensuring the aid is implemented comprehensively, systematically and effectively.

James also expressed appreciation to the Sabah State Education Department and all district education offices for their continued commitment in ensuring smooth distribution of the assistance in accordance with stipulated guidelines.

He urged parents and students to make full use of the aid as motivation to achieve excellence in education, noting that school-level success would pave the way for higher education and the development of quality human capital for the nation.

At the same time, he said that no deductions or collections of any kind are allowed from the BAP funds, and that all principals and headmasters under the Education Ministry must strictly comply with this directive.

The government, he added, will continue to strengthen cooperation with all stakeholders to produce a Madani generation that is knowledgeable, competitive and values-driven through an inclusive, sustainable and effective education system.