THE Sarawak government will continue to provide assistance for Sarawak graduates to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans who have repaid 30 per cent or more of their loans.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said RM30 million will allocated for such purpose under the 2024 State Budget, where a 30 per cent loan repayment discount will be given to eligible recipients as incentives for settlement of their outstanding balance.
To date, this incentive has benefited 22,900 Sarawakian graduates.
When tabling the budget in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he said Sarawak also recognises the need to mitigate the cost-of-living pressures among the low- and middle-income groups, especially when it comes to bearing the cost of students’ education.
“As a caring and responsible government, we will provide book vouchers of RM500 per person for Sarawakian students in all public and private institutions of higher learning for households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below,” he said.
A sum of RM17.5 million will be allocated for this purpose next year, which will be managed by Yayasan Sarawak, and swhich is expected to benefit 35,000 university and college students.
Apart from that, he said, free laptops will be given to Sarawakian students who have successfully enrolled in public and private institutions of higher learning, for households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below.
The assistance is expected to benefit 5,000 students with an allocation of RM15 million.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Finance and New Economy, said the government will also provide funding for three other existing student assistance schemes under Yayasan Sarawak, including additional grant of RM5 million for the Free Tuition Programme.
With this additional sum, the Free Tuition Programme will receive an increase in allocation from RM10 million to RM15 million. The target group will be extended to cover from Form 3 to Form 5, thus expanding the number of students entitled to receive such assistance.
An estimated 58,520 students, especially from the B40 households are expected to benefit from this initiative in 2024. The augmented programme will feature complementary initiatives, including motivational activities, smart learning component, fostering a comprehensive approach to academic enrichment and excellence.
Abang Johari said an additional grant of RM2 million will be provided for the School Uniform Assistance Programme, which will benefit an additional 10,000 students, bringing the total number of assisted students in 2024 to 30,000.
This increase brings the total allocation for the School Uniform Assistance Programme to RM6 million in 2024.
He also announced a special grant of RM6 million for Yayasan Sarawak to top up the existing allocation of RM3 million to enhance the local scholarship programme by doubling the existing assistance amount per student from RM400 to RM800.
“This allocation aims at addressing the rising pressures of daily expenses, ensuring that the assistance to our needy students covers essential needs such as food, stationery, footwear and more,” he said, adding it is estimated to benefit a total of 11,250 students.
“I am very hopeful that through these initiatives, our students will continue to excel in their studies and help those who need a leg up in progressing to their next stage in life,” he said.
