Hope And Hesitation Budget 2026 Education Plans Welcomed With Caution On Delivery

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Budget 2026 allocates RM66.2 billion to the Education Ministry and RM18.6 billion to the Higher Education Ministry. ― AFP picKUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The tabling of Budget 2026 yesterday saw the Education Ministry being the biggest recipient with a RM66.2 billion allocation for next year, up from RM64.1 billion this year.
At the same time, the Higher Education Ministry will receive RM18.6 billion, up from RM18 billion, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to education.
Among the highlights is the provision of free higher education for 5,800 students from low-income families studying at public universities, with a dedicated annual allocation of RM120 million starting in 2026.
The federal government will also provide free tertiary education for top graduates from lower- to middle-income families studying in public universities. These graduates will be exempted from repaying their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans — an initiative expected to benefit about 6,000 borrowers at a cost of RM90 million annually.
In addition, the Education Ministry is prioritising school infrastructure improvements under the federal budget.
About RM2 billion has been allocated to upgrade more than 520 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as for repairs and maintenance of student facilities and teachers’ rooms nationwide.
Academics welcome stronger push for education
Next year’s education budget reflects the government’s recognition of education as a national priority, said Professor Mallika Govindarajoo, executive dean at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak’s (UNITAR) Faculty of Education and Humanities.
She urged parents, students, and educators to take an active role in pursuing the opportunities created.
“Budget 2026 reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that education in Malaysia remains accessible, inclusive and globally competitive,” she said in a statement to Malay Mail today.
Mallika also lauded the PTPTN loan exemption for students from lower-income groups, calling it a landmark measure that will ease financial burdens and open new pathways for young Malaysians to pursue higher education.
“This is the essence of inclusive education — ensuring that opportunities are not confined to the privileged few.
“As an educator, I strongly believe that education must never be an elitist privilege but a right for all,” she said.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Faculty of Educational Studies Professor Dr Ismi Arif Ismail described next year’s education budget as a holistic approach that benefits all stakeholders.
He said the budget is inclusive and geared towards addressing the needs of parents, students and teachers alike.
“The allocation for improving facilities is very timely, as the learning ecosystem must be enhanced to create a more conducive environment for education,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail.
Ismi Arif, who is also a senior researcher at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Institute for Social Science Studies, added that the budget also seeks to strengthen collaboration between parents and teachers in supporting student learning at home and in school.
‘A good start’ for young families
Trader Muhammad Aisamuddin Ismail said he welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on education measures in next year’s budget.
He expressed hope that the allocation will mark a positive start for education reforms outlined under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)
“The tax relief of RM3,000 on childcare and pre-school expenses being expanded to include children up to 12 years old is a huge welcome.
“It’s a good start for young parents like me who have two children under the age of 12,” he told Malay Mail when met in Johor Baru today.

Trader Muhammad Aisamuddin Ismail hoped that the education budget will be a positive start for education reforms as outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). — Picture by Ben Tan
Fair, effective rollout needed
Ahmad Asri Khalbi, a father of two secondary school students and two university undergraduates, said the increase in the education budget signals its importance to nation-building.
However, he noted that the real issue lies not in the allocation’s size but in its implementation.
“Education policies must have clear follow-through, with proper auditing and transparent reporting to ensure that every ringgit is spent as planned.
“Over the years, constant policy changes have often caused disruption and fatigue among teachers, students and parents. We must stop assuming that progress is being made simply because budgets are increasing,” he said when contacted by Malay Mail.

Ahmad Asri Khalbi, a father of four children, said the real issue lies not in the allocation’s size, but how effective will be its implementation. — Picture courtesy of Ahmad Asri Khalbi
Ahmad Asri, who is a media consultant and part-time lecturer, said the education budget must prioritise equitable distribution — ensuring that funds truly reach those in need, not just urban schools or headline projects.
“I would expect special attention to be given to the most underserved communities, where students and teachers still lack even the most basic necessities such as digital access, teaching aids and safe school environments.
“Only then can the education budget translate into real, measurable improvements for all Malaysians,” he said. - malaymail

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