PETALING JAYA: The government should first define the T15 income group before removing its education subsidies under the Budget 2025, says an education group.

Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said although these high-income earners are likely able to afford school fees, the government should be clear over those affected.

Based on the classification of households in 2020 by the Statistics Department Malaysia, T20 is a group whose monthly household incomes are above RM10,971.

T15 is in the top 15% with incomes starting at RM12,000 and above, though it differs from state to state.

As he unveiled Budget 2025 on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there will not be any more education subsidies for members of the T15 community who enrol in fully residential schools (SBP) and public institutions of higher education.

The Prime Minister said the T15 group will face a “slight” hike in fees, and education subsidies will be gradually reduced for this income group.

“Taking away subsidies from the rich is the government doing a Robin Hood – taking from the rich and giving to the poor,” said Noor Azimah, adding that high earners with a few children in fully residential schools and higher education institutions may feel the pinch.

“Parents of young children may still struggle. That said, they should realise that not all national schools are bad (if they want to transfer their children from fully residential schools to national schools).”

She pointed out that 30% of students in fully residential schools come from high-income families – as mentioned by the Prime Minister – a high number considering these schools were initially meant for the poor.

“I doubt the fees imposed when subsidies are removed will amount to much. Most of these families would pay,” said Azimah.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/20/define-t15-before-removing-education-subsidies