20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MOE open to reviewing RMT rates amid rising costs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry is prepared to review the current Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) rates in light of the rising cost of goods, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said any revision, however, would depend on the government's financial position and the approval of the Finance Ministry.
The current RMT rates are RM3.50 per student for Peninsular Malaysia and RM4 for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
"Regarding the RMT allocation, the rate was last revised in November 2022.
"We acknowledge the rising costs and are prepared to review the matter.
"However, any revision is subject to the government's current financial position, particularly the approval of the Finance Ministry.
"As for the RMT budget, the allocation has already increased this year," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN–Tumpat).
Wong said the allocation stood at RM784 million in 2024 and had risen to RM869 million in 2025, an increase of RM85 million, or 10.88 per cent.
"This reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the RMT programme is implemented as effectively as possible for the benefit of our children," he said.
He said the ministry consistently ensures operational policies under the RMT are adhered to by all participating schools through the monitoring task force established last year.
He said the first round of monitoring was carried out in December 2024, followed by a second round in February 2025.
"These efforts will continue in collaboration with the Health Ministry to ensure that the 20 prescribed menus are strictly followed.
"At the same time, the quality of implementation will be monitored not only by the task force but also by school administrators," he said.
