Does Budget 2025 adequately address English language proficiency for students?

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Budget 2025 Lacks Specific Allocations for English Language Proficiency Enhancement

Budget 2025 has faced criticism from parents' groups for not detailing specific initiatives or significant funding dedicated to improving students' English language proficiency. While the education ministry received a substantial RM64.1 billion allocation, and other provisions like early schooling aid and supplementary food programmes were announced, key stakeholders have highlighted a perceived gap in focus on English language skills. This has led to concerns that the budget may not adequately support the Prime Minister's stated emphasis on English proficiency alongside STEM education.
Concerns Raised by Parents' Groups

Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Noor Azimah Rahim pointed out that the budget did not appear to allocate significant funding specifically for English proficiency. She also questioned the absence of dedicated funds to strengthen the Dual Language Programme (DLP), a key initiative that utilises English in teaching certain subjects. Similarly, Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin noted the lack of a specific allocation for English learning, despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's prior statements on its importance.
Government's Emphasis on English Proficiency

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously stressed the importance of focusing on both STEM subjects and English proficiency to prepare the younger generation. This emphasis, however, has not translated into clearly defined budgetary provisions for English language enhancement in the eyes of these parent groups. Mak Chee Kin further commented that stronger government measures are needed to improve English proficiency, particularly to support the nation's ambitions in fields like artificial intelligence (AI).
Broader Education Allocations and Teacher Support

While Budget 2025 allocated RM2 billion for school infrastructure and digital facilities, which Ikatan Guru Muslim Malaysia (iGuru) president Azizee Hasan welcomed for reducing disparities, he also expressed concern about the lack of special grants for teachers. Azizee noted that many educators resort to using their own funds for teaching and learning materials, a situation that could indirectly impact the quality of instruction, including in English. The education ministry's overall RM64.1 billion allocation is the largest among all ministries, with nearly RM800 million designated for early schooling aid and an increased RM870 million for the supplementary food programme, benefiting millions of students.

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Does Budget 2025 adequately address English language proficiency for students?

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