LINGGA: Sarawak continues to strengthen the development of education and human capital through a range of newly introduced initiatives, comprehensively designed to ensure that access to quality education can be enjoyed by all citizens across the state.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (Education and Innovation), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said that Sarawak has made history by becoming the first state in Malaysia to provide free education through various initiatives and special assistance.

He explained that the establishment of a dedicated ministry related to education by the Sarawak Government is a strategic move to reinforce the state’s education system, while ensuring that students across all districts receive more comprehensive and higher-quality access to education.

The initiative is not only aimed at improving educational standards but also at assisting low-income families so that their children can continue their studies without being burdened by financial constraints.

“This step also reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that educational equity is accessible to all levels of society,” he said.

He said this while delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme on Community Empowerment and Health for the Lingga State Legislative Assembly (DUN), held at the Lingga Multipurpose Hall on Thursday.
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Datuk Dr Annuar added that the state government also provides assistance to Sarawakian students pursuing studies at recognised universities, including covering up to 50 per cent of tuition costs as part of efforts to ease the financial burden on families and to create broader opportunities for the younger generation to pursue higher education.

In addition, he said students who achieve academic excellence are eligible to receive special incentives from the state government as encouragement to continue excelling in their educational pursuits.

He further noted that Sarawakian students studying abroad are not overlooked, as they are also eligible to receive educational assistance and incentives from the state government.

In efforts to boost students’ interest in science and technology, the Nangka State Assemblyman informed that the government is also planning to establish a Science Centre as an interactive learning platform to attract more students to explore the field.

The CSR programme, held from 29 April to 1 May 2026, served as an important platform in strengthening the development of education, leadership, and the well-being of rural communities, particularly among Year Six pupils.

The programme was organised with the support of Lingga Assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor and involved collaboration among teachers, volunteers, and various parties committed to empowering communities through a holistic approach encompassing education, leadership, entrepreneurship, health, and social welfare.

Also present at the closing ceremony were Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh, ICL Chairman and Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS, Prof Kamaruddin Kana, as well as Sri Aman District Education Officer Abdul Rahman Muhiddin. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng