By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 19: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that the State government will allocate pocket money to assist approximately 25,000 Sarawakian students enrolled in higher learning institutions across Malaysia.
Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative will be detailed in the Sarawak Budget 2025, set to be presented this Nov 20.
“I will announce more in the coming month; it is too early to provide details now. The pocket money will be allocated to Sarawakian students studying in Kuala Lumpur and across Malaysia,” he stated during the ‘Sarawak Agenda: Town Hall Session with the Premier of Sarawak’, which took place today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur, in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2024.
The Premier highlighted that the financial aid will involve millions of ringgit, aimed at alleviating the high cost of living faced by students.
“However, eligibility for this assistance will be limited to those holding a valid Sarawakian identity card marked with a ‘K’,” he added.
The town hall session was moderated by Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
The Premier further stated that regardless of whether students are enrolled at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), or other colleges, the State government will provide support to Sarawakian students to help cover their basic necessities each month.
“Alhamdulillah, our State’s revenue continues to grow each year, and we are committed to working hard to generate funds that can be returned to the people of Sarawak,” he added.
Abang Johari also revealed that the Sarawak government has decided to replace the free book vouchers previously offered to students with laptop vouchers.
He explained that feedback from this year’s free book voucher programme indicated a stronger preference among students for receiving laptop vouchers instead.
The session was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of National Unity, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
