NUTP Recommends 12 Key Proposals For Budget 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has presented 12 key proposals for consideration under Budget 2026, involving the Ministry of Education (MOE), to enhance access to quality education.

NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said the proposals are not merely operational expenditure, but for meeting the needs of students and teachers, thus serving as an important investment towards the future of national education.

"Among the suggestions are that more allocations be given for pre-school development, the upgrading of existing facilities, as well as the intake of trained early childhood teachers, particularly in remote areas and areas lacking such facilities.

"In addition, with the increase in cost related to schooling and the Ramadan month and Aidilfitri celebration in early 2026, the NUTP suggests that the Early Schooling Aid (BAP) be continued and its amount increased to ease the financial burden of families,” he said.

The NUTP also recommended that schools be given sufficient funds to organise effective co-curricular and sports programmes for the holistic development of students and support their mental health.

Fouzi said that with the introduction of the new curriculum in 2027, the NUTP wants teachers to be given sufficient training and support through structured and continuous professional development programmes, as well as be given compulsory allowances for uniforms for those who lead uniformed co-curricular units.

"With the rising food prices, food allowances for pre-school pupils must also be increased to ensure they receive sufficient nutritious food throughout their schooling period,” he said.

He added that a specific allocation is required to restore comfort, safety and cleanliness of facilities in the teachers’ room and canteen, which had suffered damage or lacked maintenance.

Fouzi said that allocations for at least an open hall should also be given priority, especially for schools that have no multipurpose halls and face constraints in holding indoor assemblies, events and physical activities.

"In addition, a special allocation should also be given for the construction or upgrading of teachers’ quarters in remote areas and areas with high difficulty status (P3 zones) because many teachers working in these areas still live in dilapidated or unsafe quarters,” he said.

The NUTP also suggested that the government check and increase the difficulty allowance for teachers working in these areas to ensure the career remains an attractive option.

-- BERNAMA