Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. (Photo: VNA)Kuala Lumpur (VNA)– Malaysia will implement the Free Breakfast Programme at primary schoolsacross the country from next year, said Prime MinisterMahathir Mohamad.
The government can use theconsolidated fund from various ministries and agencies to implement theprogramme that will benefit pupils in government and government-aided primaryschools, the Malaysian PM told the press on August 28.
Asked about the perfect menu for the pupils’ breakfasts,Mahathir, who was a doctor beforebecoming a politician, said many healthy menus are suitablefor the programme.
On August26, Malaysian Education Minister Maszlee Malik announced that about2.7 million pupils in government and government-funded primary schools willreceive free healthy breakfasts beginning January next year.
The governmentwill have to spend between 2-3 billion MYR (470-710 million USD) annually on the programme,depending on the menu.
Since 2012,students at Malaysian pubic primary and high schools have entitled to freetuition fees. The government has paid all expenses for education without anycontribution from parents or people.
Before that,primary pupils were only required to pay 24.5 MYR (7.35 USD) while high schoolstudents paid 33.5 MYR (11.16 USD) annually for purchase of test papers,insurance and sport activities.–VNA
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