The Perak State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to educational support with the allocation of RM2.67 million for the continuation of the Tuisyen Cikgu Saarani (TCS) initiative. Under this program, free meals will be provided to 26,628 primary examination candidates across 238 schools in the state. Spearheaded by the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, this initiative has been instrumental in assisting around 200,000 students over its three-year implementation.
The program specifically targets candidates for the Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM), Malaysian Vocational Certificate (SPVM), Malaysian Higher Education Certificate (STPM), and Malaysian Higher Religious Certificate (STAM). The free meal assistance, amounting to RM5 per student for 20 days, will be dispensed during extra classes, intensive sessions, and tuition programs. This support will be extended from the third semester break of the 2023/2024 academic session until the conclusion of exams in March 2024.
Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad highlighted the significance of this initiative, not only in enhancing students’ academic performance but also in easing the financial burden on parents during semester breaks. The success of the program is attributed to contributions from entities such as 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).
This announcement came after the Free Meal Assistance Contribution Ceremony at the Chief Minister’s Office, Perak Darul Ridzuan Building, where various dignitaries were present, 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.
Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad emphasized the positive impact of the TCS initiative, noting its success in improving student achievement levels and narrowing the achievement gap between urban and rural schools since its inception in 2021. 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.
In addition to the free meal assistance program, the Perak Foundation will continue to coordinate all programs under the TCS initiative, aiming to enhance educational access, achieve objectives, fulfill needs, and improve achievements for the target groups. This sustained commitment reflects the government’s dedication to empowering education and nurturing the potential of students in Perak.
Source: MBI FB
