KUCHING: A total of RM60 million has been allocated in the proposed Sarawak Budget 2026 to continue providing the Bantuan Khas Kewangan (BKK) to Sarawakian students pursuing studies at Higher Education Institutions (IPTs) nationwide next year.

The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the assistance aims to support student welfare and help cover their basic expenses during their studies.

"In our commitment to promoting educational equity and supporting student welfare, we will continue to provide financial assistance to Sarawakian students enrolled in Diploma and Degree programmes at recognised higher learning institutions throughout Malaysia."

"To this end, an allocation of RM60 million will be provided next year to help cover essential living expenses such as food and daily necessities," he said.

He made these remarks while presenting the Supply (2026) Bill, 2025 during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the Free Laptop Programme will also be continued with an allocation of RM30.5 million, to supply laptops to first-year Diploma and Degree students to support digital learning and the preparation of academic assignments.

Additionally, he said the Sarawak Government will channel RM2 million for the Book Voucher Programme, enabling students to obtain necessary reference books and academic materials.

Meanwhile, the Premier of Sarawak announced that the state government will also continue the i-GPS Initiative next year, providing a further RM8 million to sustain the assistance. This initiative offers a flight subsidy of up to RM300 per return journey to Sarawak, twice a year, for students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Labuan.

In other developments, he also informed that the Sarawak Government will maintain the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayment discount for Sarawakian borrowers who have demonstrated fiscal discipline by settling more than 30 per cent of their total loan, allocating RM15 million for 2026. - UKASnews

Reporter: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Jaed Tepus