Next year, the Ministry of Education will receive RM66.2 billion compared to RM64.2 billion this year through the 2026 budget presented by the Prime Minister on Oct 10.

The quality of school infrastructure remains a government priority. Almost RM2 billion is allocated to upgrade over 520 dilapidated schools, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, and to repair and maintain all types of schools.

This includes repairing student facilities and teacher rooms, following the successful repair of toilets, canteens, and musalla (Islamic prayer space) in a short time. In addition, 38 new schools will be built to meet the needs of residents.

The construction of additional classrooms using the industrialised building system (IBS) method in existing schools was completed within a maximum period of six months.

RM100 million is provided to build additional classrooms in more than 100 high-density schools.

In addition, 350 new preschool classes are also being built in existing buildings with an allocation of more than RM100 million. This is to fill the shortage of preschool classes.

Initiative aligns with SDG 4

The budget initiative in the education sector aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, specifically Quality Education, which emphasises ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

One strategy outlined to achieve this goal is to develop and improve inclusive and safe schools by constructing and repairing facilities.

Adequate education infrastructure remains an essential component of SDG 4. Also, it supports Sustainable Development Goal 10, Reducing Inequality, by ensuring equal opportunities for access to education for all people, regardless of background.

The Malaysian Education Development Plan (PPPM) 2013-2025 prioritises access and equity, aiming to achieve these goals by investing in physical assets and teaching resources for students with special needs.

Chapter 6 details the ministry's commitment to transforming school infrastructure. Improved facilities create a supportive environment that positively influences student achievement.

Schools with adequate facilities, a safe environment, and small class sizes help students learn more effectively.

Facilities like libraries, computer labs, sports halls, and comfortable classrooms support knowledge and skill development.

Better academic results

A secure school atmosphere promotes focus, leading to better academic results. Smaller class sizes help teachers provide more attention and guidance.

As reported by PISA, Finland, one of the top-performing education countries, has schools averaging 195 students and 19 students per class.

According to the 2019 World Bank report, “The Impact of School Infrastructure on Learning: A Synthesis of the Evidence”, governments and communities worldwide must improve education systems to ensure all children and youth can access schooling and develop necessary skills for healthy, productive lives.

The report emphasises that quality education relies on key elements: curriculum, teachers, and educational infrastructure, and concludes that schools with better physical learning environments can lead to improved student achievement.

Recent research shows that investing in quality school infrastructure leads to better student learning outcomes. In addition, new technologies and evolving teaching methods are shaping educational development.

As a result, there is a need for new approaches to building learning environments-approaches that not only benefit students but also maximise the efficiency of educational infrastructure investment.

In conclusion, allocating Budget 2026 funds to upgrade school buildings and infrastructure is essential to prevent our educational facilities from falling behind those in other countries.

This initiative also helps bridge the academic gap between rural and urban areas. Importantly, introducing new concepts like 21st-century learning in the national curriculum is futile if basic needs such as infrastructure remain unresolved.

-- BERNAMA

Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Halim Abdullah is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.