Education Ministry considers living allowances for STPM students
The Education Ministry announced plans on July 9 to introduce living allowances for Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students, aiming to enhance interest in the program.
Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said that the education ministry is exploring the possibility of providing allowances to senior assistant teachers in Form Six, along with increasing the per capita grant rate for STPM subjects.
“Regarding the ministry’s effort to attract the interest of students and boost teacher morale, under the education development plan, we have four initiatives, including ensuring the standards of Form Six colleges,” said Wong, reported NST.
“We are studying a higher per capita grant rate for STPM subjects. We are also proposing and studying cost-of-living allowances for students and allowances for Form Six senior assistant teachers,” he said.
He noted that these initiatives align with the Form Six Education Development Plan 2024–2030, which was launched in May.
Wong was addressing a supplementary question posed by Mohd Hasnizan Harun (PN-Hulu Selangor) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He emphasized that the proposals were still in the early stages.
Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) queried if there were upcoming plans by the ministry to reform Form Six education.
Wong emphasized that the Form Six Education Development Plan 2024-2030 aims to bolster facilities and infrastructure at ministry centres, along with strengthening the STPM examination curriculum.
“Under the plan, the ministry listed seven objectives, including establishing Form Six as the primary pathway and choice for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders to continue their studies.
“Among others, we aim to strengthen the Form Six education system to be more attractive and comparable to other pre-university pathways.
“We also aim to improve the employability of STPM graduates both domestically and internationally; provide more career opportunities; foster leadership qualities; and, develop the professionalism of Form Six teachers,” Wong said.
He emphasized the ministry’s dedication to enhancing and advancing Form Six education, by considering all factors to maintain its status as a preferred pathway for SPM graduates pursuing higher education.