By Marlynda Meraw
“This (laptop) assistance is expected to benefit 5,000 students with an allocation of RM15 million in this budget. A sum of RM17.5 million will be allocated for this purpose (book vouchers of RM500 per person for Sarawakian IPTA and IPTS students) next year, which will be managed by Yayasan Sarawak.” Abang Johari (November 20, 2023)
EDUCATION is the gateway to progress, not only for individuals but for the community and nation as a whole. Under the forward-thinking governance of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the government has prioritised the empowerment of its youth through a series of initiatives that ensure no student is left behind.
Abang Johari’s leadership recognises that access to quality education is not solely about intellectual growth but also about providing the right tools and support. Among the most transformative and impactful initiatives is the Free Laptop Scheme, introduced under the auspices of Yayasan Sarawak, which targets Sarawakian students who face financial challenges.
Tech For All, Equipping Students for Success
In today’s digital age, a laptop is not just a luxury; it is an essential tool for learning and academic success. Students, whether in primary, secondary or tertiary education, need a computer to access resources, complete assignments, and stay connected with their peers and instructors. However, not all students can afford a laptop, and this is where the Free Laptop Scheme comes in. The initiative was allocated RM15 million under the 2024 State Budget, with the aim of benefiting 5,000 Sarawakian students in their first year of diploma or degree studies—both in public and private institutions of higher learning across Malaysia. The eligibility criteria include students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below.
By August 2024, over 13,000 students had applied for the initiative, demonstrating the significant demand for such support. The application deadline was set for August 14, 2024, and the first batch of laptops was distributed to students from institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, i-CATS University College, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Universiti Teknologi Mara Sarawak (UiTM), and polytechnics. Subsequently, on November 2, 2024, an additional 48 students received laptop vouchers worth RM3,000 each during a ceremony at the Sibu Indoor Stadium.
“Learning has changed compared to the old days when we had to ride a bicycle to go to the library and queue up to borrow books. In this sophisticated era, knowledge is accessible digitally, including through search engines like Google. You have everything at your fingertips and what matters is whether you are lazy or hardworking,” said Abang Johari during the presentation of 50 laptops on August 8, 2024. It is more than just financial assistance; it acknowledges the essential role technology plays in modern education. In providing this crucial support, the Sarawak government under Abang Johari’s leadership is laying a strong foundation for the future of education in the State, creating opportunities for students to thrive.
Books, an Everlasting Source of Knowledge
While technology enables access to information, books remain an enduring pillar of education. Yet, for many students, the cost of books can be prohibitive, creating an additional barrier to education. The Sarawak government, understanding the importance of learning resources, has also introduced the RM500 Book Voucher initiative in the 2024 State Budget. This scheme provides Sarawakian students, from the foundation level to PhD, with financial assistance to purchase books that will aid their studies. Whether in the form of textbooks, reference materials, or research journals, physical or digital copies, books serve as a rich source of knowledge and a guide on the path to academic excellence.
The voucher ensures that no student is deprived of the educational tools they need due to financial constraints. With a total allocation of RM17.5 million managed by Yayasan Sarawak, this scheme is expected to benefit 35,000 students. With this, the Sarawak government is not simply assisting with the purchase of books; it is investing in the intellectual growth of its youth. This financial support opens doors to countless opportunities for learning, enabling students to access the materials necessary to further their academic careers and, by extension, contribute to the growth and development of Sarawak and the nation as a whole.
E-Vouchers for School Essentials
Entering a new school year, particularly during transitions such as moving from Primary Six to Form One or starting Primary One, often brings financial challenges for families, particularly with the costs of uniforms and school supplies. To address this concern, the Sarawak government introduced the Free School Uniform Scheme in 2001 to provide much-needed assistance to students from low-income families. In 2017, under Abang Johari’s leadership, the allocation for this initiative was doubled to RM4 million annually, ensuring that more students could benefit from the aid. The programme also evolved from direct provision of uniforms to a voucher-based system, where each student receives a serial-numbered e-voucher, enhancing transparency and accessibility million per year.
“This assistance (Free School Uniform Scheme) shows that the Sarawak government is concerned about the problems and needs of the people, especially parents and guardians who have to deal with the rising cost of living and goods,” said the late Jepak assemblyman Datuk Talib Zulpilip during the handing out of uniform vouchers at SMK Kemena in 2018. Today, the scheme continues to support families by providing of e-vouchers worth RM200 to Primary One students and those entering Form One for the purchase of school uniforms and other essential items. This initiative significantly reduces the financial burden on parents, eases the transition into the new school year, and ensures that students are well-prepared for their educational journey ahead.
A Future Built on Equal Opportunity
Through all these initiatives, the Sarawak government has demonstrated its commitment to providing every student, regardless of their background, with the opportunity to succeed. Whether through the provision of laptops, books, scholarships, transportation, or school Uniforms, these programmes ensure that students in Sarawak are equipped with the necessary tools and support to excel in their education.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd. All information contained herein is accurate as of the first quarter of 2025.
