PUTRAJAYA: The Finance Ministry (MoF) has given special approval for the acquisition of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) textbooks through direct negotiations.

The ministry, in a statement today, said the special approval on Sept 18 last year, was made out of concern that delay would affect students sitting for major examinations.

It is said the ministry was concerned over the welfare of the students and took the necessary action to facilitate finance and procurement procedures and ensure that students received the learning tools.

"As such, the procurement process of the DLP textbooks for PT3 (Form Three Assessment) has received due attention, and the Finance Ministry has given special approval for the application of the procurement of textbooks through direct negotiation on Sept 18, 2018," the statement read.

It said MoF has always considered applications from any ministry or agency for direct negotiations to meet a critical or urgent need, especially on matters involving the interest and welfare of the people.

Last Wednesday, the Education Ministry said DLP textbooks for all schools offering Form 3 Mathematics and Science subjects would be supplied and distributed in March.

The delay created uproar when parents feared that it would impact on the teaching and learning of students facing the PT3 exams this year.- BERNAMA