JOHOR BUDGET 2026: RECORD ALLOCATION SET ASIDE TO ADVANCE STATE’S EDUCATION AGENDA

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The Back to School Programme, along with free flight and bus tickets, involving an allocation of RM30.2 million, is among the education initiatives under the Johor Budget 2026 aimed at easing the burden of the people of the state.

State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the state government had set aside RM163 million for education, its highest allocation to date, as announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the Back to School Programme, an initiative closest to the people’s hearts, had received an allocation of RM28.8 million to provide meaningful support to students across Johor.

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“This school uniform assistance will benefit 189,000 students across Johor, including 2,000 students from each of the 56 state constituencies, from low-income (B40) and asnaf families,” he told Bernama.

He said the initiative was not just about providing assistance but also about offering moral support so that children in Johor could start the new school session feeling confident, comfortable and motivated.

Aznan said the state government extended its support to students from higher learning institutions, providing Flight Ticket Assistance for Johor students studying in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as free bus rides for IPTA students in the peninsula during the festive season, through an allocation of RM1.4 million.

“The initiative allows Johor students to travel home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Deepavali without worrying about rising travel costs,” he said.

Aznan explained that these two initiatives not only eased the financial burden on parents but also boosted students’ confidence and motivation to concentrate on their studies.

He said the overall allocation for the education agenda reflected the state government’s commitment and sent a clear message that it would continue to safeguard the welfare of the people, from schoolchildren to higher education students.

“This large allocation demonstrates the state government’s commitment to providing every anak Johor, from urban centres to the islands, with the best possible educational opportunities,” he said.

Aznan stressed that each ringgit channelled into education represented a long-term investment in the future of the state.

“With the support of the people and the cooperation of all parties, these initiatives are expected to bring significant changes to the lives of the community, while also producing a more prosperous and resilient Bangsa Johor ready to take on a leading role on the global stage,” he said.

He said the effort also conveyed a clear message that education underpins both the well-being of families and the state’s progress.

Therefore, Aznan extended the state government’s gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for always prioritising the welfare of the people, especially in matters of safety and educational quality.

“His Royal Highness’ views serve as an encouragement to all government machinery to redouble efforts in building a safer, more disciplined, and positive school environment for our children,” he said.

Aznan said that the concern shown by His Royal Highness inspired greater enthusiasm to ensure that every education policy would truly benefit the people.

A total of RM174.8 million has been allocated in the Johor Budget 2026 for 35 major initiatives under the education and information portfolio, with RM11.8 million earmarked for information.

“The benefits of these major initiatives will not only be felt by school students but also by teachers, undergraduates, youth, media practitioners, and frontline school staff.

“The state government is committed to ensuring that every segment of society enjoys the benefits of the state’s development and that no one is left behind,” said Aznan.

-- BERNAMA