A TOTAL of RM34.1 million has been channelled to schools across Penang under the Bantuan Awal Persekolahan (BAP) 2026 programme, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to easing parents’ financial burden ahead of the new school year.
The programme, which allocates RM150 in cash assistance per student, benefits students from 397 schools of various streams statewide, said Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang during the aid distribution ceremony at SMJK Chung Ling, Air Itam.
Speaking to students, parents and teachers, Joseph Ng described the initiative as a meaningful intervention that did not exist during his schooling days.
“For the 2026 school year, you are indeed fortunate. This RM150 school assistance is an important initiative to help ease parents’ financial burden, especially in preparing school essentials for their children.
“This kind of support simply did not exist during our time, but it does today under the Madani Government,” he said.
He noted that in Air Itam alone, 8,145 students from 15 schools will benefit from the programme, involving a total allocation of RM1,221,750.
At SMJK Chung Ling, 1,834 students received the aid, amounting to RM275,100.
“Before receiving the cash assistance, I would like everyone to give a round of applause to the school, especially the staff who went to the bank to withdraw RM275,100 in cash.
“When I spoke to them earlier, they admitted they were nervous holding such a large amount of money,” he said, drawing light laughter from the audience.
Ng also expressed appreciation to the school administration for ensuring a smooth and transparent distribution process, as well as thanking parents for attending the ceremony to witness the occasion.
Touching on long-term education development, he highlighted Penang’s institutional allocation programme, introduced by the state government, which has significantly improved school infrastructure over the years.
“Facilities such as this hall were made possible through institutional allocations. Over the past decade, school facilities have steadily improved thanks to the collaboration between the Penang government, school boards and parent-teacher associations.
“Chung Ling is not just a secondary school; it represents a school of the future,” he said.
Ng also congratulated schools in the Air Itam constituency, including SMJK Chung Ling, for their participation in the proactive mural painting programme last year, where students contributed artwork to 10 walls at the Penang State Secretariat quarters near the State Mosque in Jalan Masjid Negeri.
“These murals are the works of our students. Activities like this do not only showcase creativity and talent, but also instil patriotism and pride for Penang. Our students are not only academically strong, but also possess a strong sense of identity,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment as the Air Itam assemblyman to continue strengthening school development and education, stressing that both the Federal and state governments remain aligned in prioritising education as the foundation of the nation’s future.
Ng concluded by urging parents and students to utilise the assistance responsibly.
“I hope this aid will be used wisely for school needs, so that our children can learn in a more comfortable and motivated environment,” he said.
Also present at the event was SMJK Chung Ling acting principal Khor Chin Soon, alongside school staff and parents.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting