By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 31: The next application phase for the Special Financial Assistance (BKK) for Sarawak’s tertiary students is set to reopen in September, with a lower number of applicants estimated at around 15,000, mainly comprising new students entering higher learning institutions.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the upcoming September application phase will cater to new entrants and students who may have missed the earlier window.
“For those who dropped out or missed the chance to apply, they can do so when applications reopen in September,” he told the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) at the launch of BKK held at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (July 30).
This follows the successful rollout of the BKK disbursement, with the Sarawak government fulfilling its commitment to provide financial assistance of RM1,200 annually to eligible students pursuing higher education in institutions nationwide.
The payment began being channelled in stages from 1.15pm yesterday to the first group of approved students.
“I’m grateful that this programme was successfully launched today. This means that the Sarawak government’s promise has been delivered. Although there was a slight delay, the pledge has been kept,”
Dr Annuar noted that the delay was due to a rigorous verification process involving 42,000 applicants, which had taken longer than expected.
“In the past few weeks, many students asked when the funds would be disbursed. I apologise for the delay, but this was the first time we implemented such a comprehensive verification process,” he said.
Originally, the disbursement was scheduled for early July, but technical challenges and the need to ensure accurate data verification contributed to the postponement. However, Dr Annuar emphasised that the Sarawak government remained steadfast in ensuring the aid reached only those who truly qualified.
“This RM1,200 per year, equivalent to RM100 per month, is a strong reflection of the Sarawak government’s concern for student welfare and its commitment to helping them focus fully on their studies,” he added.
The BKK initiative is a key effort under the Sarawak government led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aimed at strengthening education access and human capital development as pillars of Sarawak’s future progress. — DayakDaily
