By Karen Bong and Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 25: The Sarawak government will continue providing RM1,200 in pocket money to Sarawakian students pursuing their studies in 2026, with more student-focused perks to be unveiled in the upcoming Sarawak Budget next month, announced Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking during the annual Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak townhall session with Sarawakian youths held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur today, Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak government’s commitment to easing the financial burden faced by Sarawakian students studying both within the State and in Peninsular Malaysia.
“I have promised to help Sarawak students, including those pursuing their studies in Peninsular Malaysia, with RM1,200 allowances to ease your financial burden, which is channelled through the SPay e-wallet. This assistance will continue next year,” he said, to applause from the crowd.
He hinted that the 2026 Sarawak Budget, which will be tabled during the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting in November, will include new initiatives and incentives for Sarawakian youths and students.
“Be patient. I will continue to provide the pocket money first, which will continue next year. I will announce it in the Sarawak Budget next month and there are other perks as well, which I will reveal then,” he said.
Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s priority of building a knowledgeable and skilled Sarawakian society capable of managing the State’s modern, technology-driven economy.
“In transforming Sarawak’s efforts, one of the areas is building a knowledgeable society so that all Sarawakians have the skills and expertise in identified fields that can contribute to Sarawak’s development,” he said.
Abang Johari noted that Sarawak’s strong financial position enables the State to sustain such people-centric initiatives.
“Within seven years since I became your leader, Sarawak’s revenue through revenue reengineering has doubled from RM6 to RM7 billion to over RM14 billion in 2024. Even though there may be some impact from tariffs, it is not threatening and we are still able to sustain what we want to implement for Sarawak,” he said, adding that the exact revenue figure will be announced during the upcoming DUN Sitting.
The Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak townhall, held annually, serves as a platform for Sarawakian youths studying and working in Peninsular Malaysia to engage directly with the Premier and State leaders, discussing policies and programmes aimed at supporting the next generation of Sarawakians. — DayakDaily
