By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 28: The Sarawak government’s implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will ensure that underprivileged students have equal opportunities to excel.
In a statement, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew described the initiative as a groundbreaking move, being the first of its kind in Malaysia.
“This scheme not only covers full tuition fees for university students but also provides an annual living allowance of up to RM15,000 for students from low-income families, ensuring they can pursue their studies without financial constraints,” he said.
Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, explained that the Sarawak Cabinet, during its meeting on March 20, approved an annual allowance of RM15,000 for Sarawakian students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 and below.
“If calculated based on a 10-semester academic structure, eligible students could receive RM1,500 per month. However, if distributed over 12 months, the average monthly allowance would be RM1,250,” he elaborated.
He noted that many families struggle to afford university education for their children, particularly those from lower-income groups, such as daily wage earners and single-parent households.
“This RM15,000 allowance is specifically designed for students who genuinely need financial aid, ensuring they can focus on their education without additional financial burdens,” he said.
He added that the Sarawak government does not want financially challenged students to be forced into part-time work, which might affect their academic performance.
Elaborating on his point, he said that while working part-time can be a valuable life experience, there have been cases where students, despite benefiting from free secondary education, were forced to drop out due to financial difficulties.
The FTES applies to universities in Sarawak, including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, and i-CATS University College, covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, as well as law, medicine, accounting, and finance degree programmes.
He also pointed out that current students enrolled in these institutions in relevant fields will be eligible for the scheme once it takes effect next year.
“This also applies to Sarawakian students currently studying in foreign institutions or other universities. If they choose to return and continue their studies in Sarawak’s recognised universities next year, they too can benefit from the free tertiary education scheme,” he added.
Ting expressed confidence that this initiative will benefit many Sarawakian students by easing their financial burden and enabling them to complete their higher education. — DayakDaily
