The Ministry of Education has recently unveiled the amount of money that was set aside to procure and supply Jalur Gemilang badges to students nationwide.
In a written parliamentary reply, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said that a total of RM8.4 million was allotted to supply the badges for 5.14 million students, which included those in schools, matriculation colleges, Form Six colleges, and teacher training institutions, reported FMT and The Star.
She added the funds were then disbursed to state education departments (JPN) and educational institutions in February based on student enrolment numbers.
A total of 91 suppliers were involving in supplying the badges to students, who were each given two badges for free.
Wearing the Jalur Gemilang badge on students’ uniforms is one of the ministry’s initiatives to instil patriotism and love for the country among students from an early age.
“This effort is also aligned with the Malaysian Education BlueÂprint 2013-2025, which emphasiÂses character building and natioÂnal values as key pillars in shaping students’ identity,” she said.
Fadhlina explained the procurement process was managed by the state education departments, district education offices, and institutions through the ePerolehan system via tender or quotation, which depended on the amount of allocation received.
She added state education departments were also given the flexibility to procure the Jalur Gemilang badges by zones to hasten the supply process and encourage participation from a larger pool of qualified suppliers.
Fadhlina was responding to a question posed by Kuala Krai MP Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman, who inquired about the total cost borne by the Âgovernment for the badges and which Âcompanies were appointed as suppliers.
The initiative was kickstarted in March, where it was aimed at fostering patriotism among students.
However, it also came with reports of kids injuring themselves with the badge too:
