KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM200 million for the implementation of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) in 2027.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the initiative is set to benefit up to 10,600 students next year.
“For 2027, an allocation of RM200 million is earmarked to implement this initiative, which is expected to benefit up to 10,600 students,” he said when tabling the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 for its second reading at the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday.
According to him, the FTES is a transformative initiative designed to ensure access to higher education is based on merit and capability, rather than being constrained by students' financial backgrounds.
Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said the Sarawak Government has also earmarked RM1 million in 2027 for the continued implementation of the Dual Language Programme (DLP) across schools in the state.
He added that another RM6 million has been allocated for the continued implementation of the Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme Sarawak (UP-DLPS) for Year 6 pupils, covering English, Science and Mathematics.
According to him, the statewide assessment provides a standardised benchmark of pupils' proficiency and understanding, particularly in Science and Mathematics taught in English. -UKASnews
Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim
