By Marlynda Meraw
“I have listened to these concerns, and I am pleased to announce that all Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions throughout Malaysia will be eligible (for RM1,200 pocket money), irrespective of their family’s income. I want our students to be able to focus 100 per cent on their studies and not worry about sourcing enough funds for food or transportation.” Abang Johari (November 20, 2024)
IN Sarawak, a brighter future for the younger generation is being shaped by thoughtful initiatives aimed at reducing financial barriers. Guided by a commitment to progress and inclusivity, the State government under Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is ensuring that no student is left behind in their pursuit of higher education. These measures, grounded in genuine concern for the well-being of students, reflect a leadership approach that prioritises long-term growth and empowerment.
Homebound Without a Hefty Price
The State’s Inisiatif Graduan Pulang Sarawak (i-GPS), introduced in 2019, has been a lifeline for Sarawakian students studying outside the State, offering financial relief for air travel expenses. First announced by Abang Johari in 2018 during the “Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak” programme, the initiative was launched the following year in response to concerns raised by Sarawakian students regarding the high costs of returning home, particularly during festive seasons.
Through i-GPS, eligible students receive a RM300 subsidy for a one-way flight back to Sarawak, twice a year. To qualify, students must be Sarawakian, at least 18 years old, and enrolled as full-time students in a recognised tertiary institution. Applications are to be submitted online to Yayasan Sarawak within 60 days after the flight, to be accompanied by supporting documents. Since its inception, the initiative has significantly eased the financial burden of air travel for students. Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, said that as of December 2020, the State government had allocated RM9.27 million, having assisted 31,285 applicants.
Later in the fourth quarter of 2021, Fazzrudin shared that between February 2019 and October 2021, the State government had allocated RM10.7 million for the initiative, with 34,905 applications approved out of 49,195—18,118 (2019), 13,167 (2020), and 3,620 (2021) recorded as of October 2021. Students and families have widely welcomed the programme, with many highlighting its role in making travel home more affordable. By subsidising airfare, the Sarawak government ensures that financial constraints do not prevent students from reuniting with their loved ones, reinforcing the State’s commitment to welfare.
A Lifeline for Tertiary Students
In November 2024, Abang Johari announced a new financial assistance initiative: an annual RM1,200 pocket money provision for Sarawakian students enrolled in higher learning institutions across Malaysia. This initiative, first mentioned during the “Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak” event on October 19, 2024, aims to relieve students of their financial burdens, ensuring that they fully focus on their studies without being concerned about food and transportation expenses. During Abang Johari’s Sarawak Budget 2025 speech on November 11, 2024, he stated the allocation of RM30 million for this financial assistance, initially targeting 25,000 students from low-income families with a household per capita income of RM1,500 or below.
“The money given is to be spent on food and essential goods to help them (students) mitigate the cost of living,” he said. However, later on November 20, 2024, he announced an expansion of the programme, making it available to all Sarawakian students enrolled in higher education institutions, regardless of family income. On March 28, 2025, Fazzrudin urged all Sarawakian students to promptly register with Sarawak Pay Global (S Pay) for the disbursement of financial aid, cautioning that late applications could cause congestion.
Prioritising Education Over Monetary Concerns
Together, the i-GPS and RM1,200 pocket money initiatives form a comprehensive support system for Sarawakian students, addressing both travel and living expenses. While i-GPS mitigates the cost of flights home, the pocket money provision ensures students can meet their daily needs without undue hardship. By removing financial barriers, this initiative complements other state-led educational support efforts, including scholarships and partnerships with international universities.
These initiatives reflect the Sarawak government’s broader vision of fostering human capital development by ensuring that students from all socio-economic backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed. By prioritising student welfare, the government is investing in the future, cultivating a skilled and knowledgeable workforce essential to the State’s growth and progress. With Sarawak’s free tertiary education policy set to be implemented by 2026, the future for Sarawakian students appears brighter than ever. These measures underscore the government’s steadfast commitment to education as a pillar of long-term prosperity, reinforcing the belief that no student should be left behind due to financial constraints.
Sarawak, Committed to Its Students
This initiative extends beyond individual students. Families with tight budgets can reallocate resources to other pressing needs, thereby improving overall household welfare. Communities, too, benefit from having more educated and empowered individuals who can contribute to local development. The long-term impact is profound: a better-educated workforce translates to enhanced productivity, innovation, and economic growth for Sarawak.
The Sarawak government’s proactive approach to supporting tertiary education is evidence of its vision of an inclusive and prosperous future. As the State continues to grow and develop, its commitment to education will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping its future. By investing in its students today, the Sarawak government is paving the way for a brighter and more equitable tomorrow.
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.
