KUCHING (Nov 11): Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions nationwide will receive RM1,200 in pocket money next year, as part of the state’s commitment to supporting the education and well-being of students from low-income families. The special financial assistance, aimed at easing the cost of living, will benefit approximately 25,000 Sarawakian students whose families have a monthly per capita income of RM1,500 or below.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement when presenting the 2025 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in Kuching today. He emphasized that the allocated RM30 million will help students manage expenses related to food and other essentials.
“These funds are specifically designed to support students who need assistance with their daily expenses while studying far from home,” said Abang Johari.
Additionally, Abang Johari confirmed that the RM500 book vouchers and the free laptop scheme for Sarawakian students, which were introduced in August 2023, will continue into 2025. The book vouchers will benefit students from households with a monthly per capita income of RM1,500 or less, with an allocation of RM2 million. Similarly, RM30.5 million will be provided to assist 10,166 students with receiving free laptops, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in their studies.
The Sarawak government will also continue its support for state-owned universities and colleges in 2025, with RM35 million allocated for University Technology Sarawak, RM30 million for Sarawak Skills Development Centre, and RM30 million for i-CATS University College. Kolej Laila Taib will receive RM5.5 million to enhance its operations.
Further investments in education will include the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP), a free tuition initiative aimed at Form 4 and 5 students, with an allocation of RM20 million. Other notable allocations include RM4.6 million for the Dual Language Programme (Science and Mathematics in English), and RM27 million for the operation of three state-owned international schools in Petra Jaya, Mile 12 Kuching-Serian Road, and Sibu, the latter of which is set to open later this year.
To further support early childhood education, RM20 million will be allocated to SeDidik, the state-owned early childhood provider, and RM14 million will be given as a special grant to registered early childhood and care institutions. A sum of RM2.5 million will also be provided for fee subsidies, benefiting 2,500 children whose parents earn RM7,000 or less per month.