By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 17: A total of 1,500 students across Sarawak received a boost for the new school year through the Wakalah Zakat ‘Back to School’ 2026 Programme, bringing relief to asnaf (underprivileged) families.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State–Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the initiative is vital for safeguarding students’ welfare and sustaining their motivation to learn.
“The Wakalah Zakat ‘Back to School’ 2026 programme is very important in encouraging our children to continue learning, and God willing, their welfare will be taken care of until they are able to contribute back to their families and society,” she said in her speech at the programme’s launching ceremony, as reported by TVS.
Organised by PETRONAS through the PETRONAS Islamic Welfare Body for the Sarawak Region (BAKIP Sarawak), the programme aimed to ensure uninterrupted access to education.
She further said the initiative helps children access better education, attend school with confidence, and stand on equal footing with their peers across the State.
“This is not only for those in urban areas or from well-off families. We want all Sarawakians, whether in urban or rural areas, male or female, to enjoy the success of the State’s economic development,” she added.
Sharifah also emphasised the programme’s significance in supporting the State’s aspiration to provide quality education from an early age.
“We thank you PETRONAS for its contribution and encouragement in ensuring children in both urban and rural areas, including Samariang and Satok, receive the best possible education.
“When children study well and are able to enter Sarawak-owned universities, they can enjoy free education. Parents will not need to worry about funding their children’s education,” she continued.
Sharifah said that with parents, schools, communities and businesses working together, Sarawak’s children can reach their full potential and become future leaders. — DayakDaily
