KUCHING: Sarawakian students pursuing tertiary education at public and private institutes of higher learning in the state can apply for the Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS) from January next year.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the scheme provides rental assistance of RM200 per month for a maximum period of 36 months.
“This is one of the enhancements of SRAS and it extends to the university students which I think is very significant.
“This means that public and private institutes of higher learning students must be from Sarawak and must have the ‘K’ on their identity card (IC) and studying outstation (but) within the state, can apply for the SRAS.
“Let’s say, the student is from Sarikei and studying while renting a room or a house in Kuching, so he or she is eligible for the SRAS,” he said at a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here on Tuesday (Nov 28).
Tiang said the eligibility for this assistance is that their parents or guardian’s monthly household income should not exceed RM4,556.
“Furthermore, the scheme is only limited to one student per household,” he said.
He then said the continuous improvement of the SRAS is in line with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s 2024 State Budget initiatives to combat poverty, enhance people’s social wellbeing and to lift Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a thriving society by the year 2030.
“This is also consistent with Sarawak government’s strategic thrust in fostering social inclusion across all strata of society,” he said, adding that the scheme is expected to benefit more than 4,000 university students in the state.
Meanwhile, eligible Sarawakian students, through their parents or guardians, can apply for the SRAS at hdc.sarawak.gov.my website.
