By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Dec 1: The finer points of Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) are set to be announced by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here on Dec 18, 2025.
This was confirmed by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn during a press conference at the media room at the DUS complex today.
He later addressed the scheme’s budget, which was initially estimated at RM450 million but now stands at RM250 million for its inaugural year in 2026.
Sagah stated firmly that the adjustment would not compromise the 64 courses offered at the four eligible State-owned universities: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak and i-CATS University College.
“No…it will not affect the courses,” said Sagah when asked by a reporter.
“This (scheme) amount was based on a rough estimation in the beginning. We initially thought every eligible Sarawakian would attend the four universities.”
However, he later explained that this may not reflect the actual situation.
“We found that we will not be incurring the full estimated amount. We had also included students who are already studying in these four institutions, which is why the overall figure has been trimmed,” he explained. — DayakDaily
