The state government launched the Cikgu Saarani Tuition (TCS) programme today (February 3), projected to benefit nearly 200,000 students in Perak, especially those from poor and low income (B40) households.
The Menteri Besar of Perak, Dato’ Saarani Mohamad stated that the programme’s main target is to aid pupils and students who are slated to sit for major exams, including 40,642 candidates for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) (Malaysian Certificate of Education).
“They were supposed to sit for SPM last year but it was postponed to this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Also to benefit directly from the TCS programme are 37,894 students who will be sitting for major exams this year, Form 4 (30,320), Form 1 (31,761) and Year 1 (31,742) students.
“Through the programme, the Perak State Education Department (JPN) will prepare teachers and teaching staff in providing tuition or additional classes for critical subjects such as Bahasa Malaysia, English Language, Mathematics and Sejarah (History).”
He told reporters so during a virtual media session of the Cikgu Saarani Tuition programme launching ceremony and a special food aid contribution mock cheque presentation in his office today.
Also present were the Executive Councillor for Education, Higher Education and Human Resources, Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud; director and deputy director of JPN, Dr Mohd Suhaimi Mohamad Ali and Rahimah Mohamad; and the president of the Perak Malaysian School Principals Council (MPSM), Suhaimi Harun.
The programme will include initiatives and special assistance such as tuitions, additional classes, special food aid, near-exam drill programmes, seminars on answering examination questions and preparation of teaching materials based on interactive videos.
For starters, the state government has prepared an allocation of RM2.7 million for the special food aid to be presented to 35,639 SPM candidates who are attending schooling sessions and additional classes as final preparations before sitting for their exam.
Saarani added, lunch boxes will be provided to SPM candidates and teachers for 15 days until the students are to sit for their exams coming February 22.
“Apart from government funds, the allocation also comprises financial contributions from government-linked companies which are Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc), Perak Water Board (LAP), Perak State Development Corporation (PKNP) and Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (PPPNP),” he explained.
Rosli Mansor
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