Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, president of the Parent Action Group for Education, said STEM education was an economic driver that would provide better social mobility and earning power for future workers.

Jobs requiring skills in STEM subjects are expected to grow by 8.8% in 2028 compared to 5% for those without such skills, she said.

Education minister Radzi Jidin had said last week that the ministry had asked for specific allocations to encourage the enrolment in STEM subjects.

The 2023 budget includes an allocation of RM6.7 billion for various initiatives on technical and vocational education and training.

Azimah said she was also let down by the lack of funds set aside to train teachers for the dual-language programmes.

Mak Chee Kin of the Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education also believes that STEM has been overlooked.

However, both Azimah and Mak lauded the higher allocation for the supplementary food programme.

Mak hoped canteen operators will be motivated to provide better food for those in need and the ministry could look for ways to encourage them to provide proper and nutritious food for children.