By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 30: The Sarawak government has fulfilled its RM50.4 million pledge to support approximately 42,000 Sarawakian students pursuing higher education across Malaysia, with the official launch of the Special Financial Assistance that provides RM1,200 pocket money per stuydent.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government had kept its promise made during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) programme by introducing targeted financial assistance for Sarawakian students at institutions of higher learning (IPTs) nationwide.
Each eligible student will receive RM1,200 disbursed in two phases via the SPAY Global app.
This assistance, he said, is in addition to the air ticket subsidy under the Sarawak Graduates Returning Home (i-GPS) initiative, which offers up to RM600 annually to help students travel home during festive seasons.
“When combined, these two initiatives amount to over RM100 million in aid for Sarawakian students.
“Today, I am delivering on my word. Our students are fortunate, not just because of the financial support, but because they have a government that genuinely cares about their future. Not every administration can fulfil such promises. Sarawak has a caring and capable government, one that is focused on reducing poverty and building a globally competitive economy,” he said.
He made these remarks when addressing the launch of the Special Financial Assistance for Sarawak Students in Institutions of Higher Learning, held at a prominent hotel in Kuala Lumpur, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel today.
Abang Johari reaffirmed the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to youth development and long-term economic growth through bold and strategic policies.
He emphasised that the aid is offered regardless of a student’s social background, as part of a broader strategy to nurture an intellectual, competitive and globally-minded generation of Sarawakians.
“We are preparing our young people to become world-class professionals. The global economic landscape has shifted, and we must be ready to work and compete beyond Sarawak’s borders. Our people can thrive anywhere in the world.
“To keep Sarawak’s economy on a growth trajectory, we must raise incomes in rural areas. I leave it to you, the younger generation, to pursue this journey and make Sarawak a global player,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn highlighted that the initiative was not only designed to ease financial burdens but also to inspire Sarawakian youth to focus fully on their academic journey.
“To ensure no student is left behind, a second application phase will open in September, allowing new IPT enrollees and those who missed the earlier round to apply and benefit,” he said.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Attorney General Dato Sri Saferi Ali, as well as other federal and State officials. — DayakDaily
