KUALA LUMPUR: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has hinted at substantial new incentives for Sarawakian students studying across Malaysia, with an official announcement expected in the state budget next month.
In stating this, Abang Johari emphasised the importance of supporting students in light of rising living costs, particularly those pursuing their education in various parts of the country.
“I will announce another incentive for students studying throughout Malaysia next month. It’s too early for me to reveal the details, but I can give a hint that it involves millions of ringgit.
“This is because our children are facing the rising cost of living, whether they are studying in Perlis, Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, or Johor. Scholarships are not enough,”he said during the 15th edition of Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS)2024 Townhall at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibiton Centre (MITEC) here today.
He also said that based on feedback this year on laptops and book voucher incentives, students showed a stronger preference for laptops.
“We gave out book vouchers, but the feedback showed they prefer laptops. So, we will need to conduct further studies on this matter, and I will make the official announcement next month,” he added.
Abang Johari also revealed plans to introduce pocket money allowances for Sarawakian university as well as college students across the nation.
“For students studying in KL, they need a bit of pocket money, even if it’s just to buy necessities like Maggi at night.
“I will also announce in the next month’s budget on Nov 20, which involves 25,000 students throughout Malaysia, and they must have the ‘K’ Sarawak IC (identity card). We will provide assistance for them to buy basic necessities every month.
“Let’s wait for that. Yes, indeed a good news for our students,” he said.
He also expressed pride in Sarawak’s growing economic strength every year.
“Alhamdulillah, our state’s revenue has increased year after year. I am working hard to ensure that the wealth we generate returns to benefit the people of Sarawak,” he said.
