Budget 2026: New Schools To Address Overcrowding

SHAH ALAM, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The announcement of the construction of 38 new schools, including nine in Selangor, under Budget 2026 reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education in line with the state’s rapid population growth.

Residents in fast-growing areas such as Puncak Alam and Setia Alam described the move as a long-awaited relief, following years of coping with overcrowded classrooms that have, in some cases, forced parents to send their children to schools located far from their homes.

Private sector employee Muhammad Aminuralif Mohd Zoki, 35, said most of the existing schools in the area can no longer accommodate the growing number of students each year, and if the situation persists, it could affect students’ emotions and motivation.

“I believe the construction of new schools will help balance educational needs and ease the pressure on existing infrastructure, in line with the rising population in Puncak Alam, Setia Alam, and Bandar Baru Kuala Selangor,” he told Bernama here today.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2026, announced an allocation increase to the Ministry of Education amounting to RM66.2 billion next year. The allocation includes funding to upgrade and construct 38 new schools nationwide to meet the growing needs of local population.

Setia Alam resident Fazlisham Aziq, 40, described the announcement as a relief for parents who have had to send their children to schools outside their residential area.

The workshop owner said that apart from the challenges related to transportation and fuel costs, parents are also concerned about their children’s safety when commuting long distances to school, as they are exposed to various risks on the way to and from school.

“I believe the announcement to build a new school here is very much in line with current needs, and I’m sure our children are also uncomfortable studying in classes with more than 40 students,” said the father of one.

The nine new schools in Selangor are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Eco Grandeur, SMK Setia Alam 2, SMK Kota Kemuning 2, SMK Cyberjaya 2 and SMK Bukit Puchong as well as Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Alam Suria, SK Puchong Permai, SK Taman Desa 3 and SK Pendidikan Khas Kota Damansara.

-- BERNAMA