By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 14: Sarawak’s free tertiary education programme, set to commence in 2026, will cost the State government over RM400 million in its first year, with total expenditure expected to exceed RM1 billion within three years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative will ensure all Sarawakians, regardless of social background, have access to higher education without the burden of tuition fees.
“I will announce the cost in the upcoming budget. For the first year, we have calculated at least about over RM400 million.
“The second year, the cost doubles as we cover two cohorts. By the third year, we are paying for three cohorts, and at the end of the day, it will be more than a billion ringgit,” he said when speaking at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association’s (DBNA) Community Hostel official opening and 70th anniversary celebration here last night (Sept 13). An audio recording of his speech was later shared to DayakDaily.
The Premier clarified that while students will not have to pay, the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will bear the cost.
“Somebody has to pay. And the paymaster is GPS. It’s not free.
“University has to pay, so we give the fees and the students get it free. Actually, ‘boleh tahan juak lah’ (it’s quite bearable),” he added.
A total of 64 courses have been approved under the free tertiary education scheme, to be offered by four State-government linked universities/institutions: Swinburne University Sarawak, Curtin Malaysia, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College. – DayakDaily
