The rate was last reviewed 25 years ago.

Education minister Radzi Jidin said effective Aug 1, the allowance rate for chief wardens would be increased to RM350 a month while wardens will get RM300.

“The last time the allowance rate for hostel wardens was reviewed was in 1997,” he said in a video posted on his official Facebook page today.

In addition, he said 3,813 new wardens would be appointed in 1,874 boarding schools under the ministry to strengthen their portfolios, adding that the 63% increase (from 6,055 to 9,868 wardens) would allow better rotation of warden duties.

These improvements involve a financial implication amounting to nearly RM19 million, he added.