KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Government will be exploring ways to provide annual financial assistance of RM15,000 to Sarawak-born students studying at Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) across the country.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that this financial aid was previously only given to Sarawakian students from low-income families studying at universities owned by the Sarawak Government.

“In addition, financial assistance amounting to RM15,000 a year will also be extended to students from low-income families.

“For Sarawakian students furthering their studies at IPTAs throughout the country, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Government will study how to channel similar assistance to them,” he said.

He announced this during his speech at the 29th Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Convocation Ceremony, Session 3, held here on Tuesday.

Understanding the challenges faced by students today, he stressed that the government will continue the RM1,200 annual pocket money assistance next year.

For the record, the Sarawak Government also provides book vouchers and free laptops to students from low-income families who are Sarawak natives.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of UNIMAS, emphasised that these assistance initiatives reflect the State Government’s commitment to strengthening the education sector in the region, which he described as the key to overcoming poverty.

“Therefore, every young person must be given the opportunity to pursue education to the highest level without financial obstacles, especially those who come from less privileged families,” he added. -UKASnews

Reporter: Jonnie Kiew
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Ibanez Jeffery Guang