00:00Closing the education gap between rural and urban areas should be one of the government's main areas of investment to ensure long-term economic success and the future of Malaysians, says an academic.
00:13Juan Marzuki Wanjapfar of University Putra, Malaysia, called for better facilities such as computer labs and internet access in schools in rural areas, as well as the placement of quality teachers and the introduction of programs that integrate education, health and entrepreneurship.
00:31He also said it was important to strengthen the technical and vocational education and training programs, introducing dual pathways, and enhance the teaching profession through futuristic teacher programs.
00:45Meanwhile, University Kabangsaan Malaysia's Anwar Ahmad said it was crucial that the government repair dilapidated schools and increase the number of teachers nationwide.
00:55Just like other sectors, he said targeted subsidies should be applied in education based on the needs of students and schools to ensure good returns on investment.
01:07In the 2025 federal budget unveiled by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Education Ministry was allocated RM64.1 billion, up from RM58.7 billion previously.
