Education minister Fadhlina Sidek said the ministry’s other areas of focus include the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), anti-bullying support initiatives, digital and technology-related matters, preparations for the 2027 curriculum, and a new education development plan.

“There are several important matters, including TVET, which we will focus on more specifically, in the context of looking at the current national priorities, needs, and direction.

“Overall, our presentation, submissions, and requests for Budget 2026 are very comprehensive and certainly have specific targets to continue enhancing and elevating the quality of the nation’s education,” she told reporters here today.

The ministry was allocated RM64.1 billion in last year’s budget.

Fadhlina said more than 700 of the 10,000 schools nationwide had been audited so far to ensure that their safety standards are at an optimal level.

“We still have a long way to go, but we are seeing very good progress. We will announce the audit’s preliminary findings in the near future,” she said.

This follows earlier reports that the ministry had directed the head of the inspectorate of schools to mobilise all its officers to conduct school safety audits, with weekly reports.

The measure was one of several initiatives taken to strengthen safety aspects at schools and school hostels.