MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (Financial assistance scheme for students)

Mr Thomas Thomas asked the Minister for Education (a) how many students and households receive help through his Ministry's Financial Assistance Scheme, and (b) whether it has any plans to revise the eligibility criteria for the granting of this assistance.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Education (Encik Mohamad Maidin B P M) (for the Minister for Education): Sir, a total of 3,714 students received help through MOE's Financial Assistance Scheme this year. The total amount disbursed was $412,500. The eligible income criteria for the assistance scheme are pegged to MCDS' Public Assistance rates. We review the criteria in tandem with MCDS' revision of rates for public assistance. MCDS is currently carrying out a review. It is expected that the review will be completed next year.