BY NUR FARIHAN RAZALI
MUKAH: The Ministry of Transport (MoT) will introduce an initiative that aims to ease the financial burden of students of Public Institutes of Higher Education (IPTA), especially from Sarawak and Sabah, to buy return flight tickets.
According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, this initiative is expected to be launched in August before this year’s National Day celebrations.
Suara Sarawak interviews several students on this matter.
ANDERSON AMBAH, 23
The purchase of flight tickets is the main problem faced by students. This is because the plane fares are expensive, especially during the festive season. I think this initiative is the best step to help reduce the financial burden of students. It is hoped that this initiative will continue to be welcomed by airlines and that it can be maintained.”
RIDZUAN ABD GAFOR, 24
This initiative will indeed ease the financial burden of IPTA students, especially from Sabah and Sarawak. With this initiative, students can use their savings for other purposes such as study costs or basic needs. I also think that this initiative can increase the accessibility and connectivity between Sabah, Sarawak and other states because it makes it easier for the students to return to their hometowns, maintain contacts with their families and strengthen cultural and social bonds. However, I also propose that MoT provides clear criteria for granting this initiative in the future. The process of selecting the recipients of the initiative must be transparent, fair and based on appropriate qualifications and needs. This is to ensure that this initiative benefits the needy students.
DAYANG NUR ATHIRAH AWANG MOHAINI, 24
This initiative will be able to reduce our financial burden as IPTA students, especially from Sabah and Sarawak. Although Sarawakian students have been introduced to airline ticket refunds by the Sarawak government, this initiative is able to help students from various aspects. I hope that this initiative can be enjoyed by all students regardless of their family status and also implemented during the festivals.
BENYA LANTING, 21
This initiative is very good. Of course, it helps IPTA students from Sabah and Sarawak, especially the underprivileged, to return to their respective hometowns. I suggest that more airlines other than MYAirline implement this programme so that the students have many choices of flights.
