KUALA LUMPUR: It is unavoidable that people are still facing the spiralling high cost of living.
This is no exception for Sarawak students living outside the state.
While thanking the Sarawak government for the ‘Graduan Pulang Sarawak’ subsidy scheme initiative (iGPS) for Sarawak students studying in higher learning institutions in Peninsula Malaysia, many of them also suggested that the Sarawak government should come out with food coupons or assistance in view of the current high cost of living.
Besides that, they also hoped and looked forward to more return flights and education assistance from the Sarawak government.
The iGPS is a subsidy of RM300 for students to purchase flight tickets that can be applied for twice a year.
New Sarawak Tribune has met with these students during the 13th edition of the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2022 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and here is what they have to say.
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PRISCA EMPIANG ROBIN, 20
Iban from Sibu, Journalism student of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Shah Alam
“I hoped that from the outcome of the town hall session during the event such as the inflation faced by students, the Sarawak government is able to come out with a solution to help them.
As we are not in our hometown and sometimes we have to buy food on our own, it is quite a burden for us as we only depend on our parents sending pocket money for us to buy food.
Therefore, I hope the government can come out with some kind of assistance to help us so that it can help lessen our burden to cover the cost of buying food.”
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ABDUL SAIFULLAH ABDULLAH, 19
Kedayan-Iban from Bintulu, Medical and Health Science student of Universiti Geomatika Malaysia (UGM) in Kuala Lumpur
“I am thrilled to be able to attend some of the programmes, especially the town hall session with our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
I have learned about the various initiatives provided by the Sarawak government, especially the education assistance which helped Sarawak students to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans.
However, I hope to hear of more education assistance by the state government which not only could benefit us, but also future generations.”
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AIDA NAZURAH, 22
Malay from Bintulu, Medical Physics student of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Penang
“I want to thank the Sarawak government for providing the iGPS initiative, but also hoped that the amount of the assistance could be increased.
This is because the airfares are quite expensive nowadays and especially during the school holidays or year-end period, and this will incur a high cost for us.”
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NESSHERVIN NYEGANG, 19
Iban from Miri, Medical and Health Science student of UGM
“Studying outside Sarawak can be quite a challenge, as we need to get ready money to buy food and other necessities.
I really do hope that the government can provide us assistance in this area or come out with a food coupon for us to lessen our burden.
I think the Sarawak government can be the first government in the states of Malaysia to come out with these initiatives.”
