Perak allocates RM2.67M for free student meals initiative

The Perak State Government has allocated RM2.67 million for the continuation of the highly successful Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani (TCS) initiative. This program, which centers on providing free meals to students, has proven instrumental in assisting approximately 200,000 students over its three-year implementation period.

The TCS initiative will allocate the funds to benefit 26,628 primary examination candidates across 238 schools in the state. The beneficiaries are specifically candidates preparing for the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), Malaysian Vocational Certificate (SPVM), Malaysian Higher Education Certificate (STPM), and Malaysian Higher Religious Certificate (STAM).

Under the initiative, students will receive free meals amounting to RM5 per student for 20 days. These meals will be distributed during extra classes, intensive sessions, and tuition programs, offering crucial support during the third semester break of the 2023/2024 academic session until the conclusion of exams in March 2024.

Empowering students and easing financial strain

Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, the Chief Minister of Perak, emphasized the multifaceted impact of the TCS initiative, stating that it not only contributes to the enhancement of students’ academic performance but also alleviates the financial burden on parents during semester breaks.

The success of the TCS initiative is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various entities, including the State Secretary Incorporated (SSI), Perak Water Board (LAP), Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation (Perak SADC), Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk), and the Chief Minister Incorporated (MBInc). These organizations have played a pivotal role in ensuring the sustained success of the program.

The announcement of the RM2.67 million allocation was made during the Free Meal Assistance Contribution Ceremony at the Chief Minister’s Office, Perak Darul Ridzuan Building. The event was attended by dignitaries including the State Secretary, State Legal Advisor, State Financial Officer, Chairman of the State Education Committee, State Director of Education, and executives from collaborating organizations.

Bridging urban-rural achievement gap

Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad highlighted the positive impact of the TCS initiative since its inception in 2021, noting its success in improving student achievement levels and narrowing the achievement gap between urban and rural schools.

The Perak Foundation has been entrusted with overseeing the implementation of the TCS initiative and collaborates with the State Education Department (JPN) to ensure the effective distribution of meal assistance to participating schools. Additionally, the Perak Foundation will continue to coordinate all programs under the TCS initiative, with the aim of enhancing educational access, achieving objectives, fulfilling needs, and improving achievements for the target groups.

This sustained commitment underscores the Perak State Government’s dedication to empowering education and nurturing the potential of students in the region. The Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani initiative stands as a testament to the government’s proactive measures in creating a conducive learning environment for students across Perak.