KUCHING: Sarawakian students studying in higher education institutions across Malaysia have expressed appreciation and shared their thoughts on the financial aid initiative announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
As presented in the Sarawak Budget 2025 on Monday (Nov 11), the aid aims to help cover living costs for approximately 25,000 eligible students from families of lower income groups with household per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month.
The Sarawak government will provide a pocket money of RM1,200 per Sarawakian student as a special financial assistance for those studying in higher learning institutions across Malaysia next year.
Hence, this financial aid initiative has garnered positive reactions and hopeful suggestion for the future from Sarawakian students across various institutions.
ALWANI NAZIHA, 23
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) , Biomedical Science
I think the pocket money is more than enough for student necessities but I was hoping that the budget announcement will include increased funding for better access to more comprehensive healthcare services, and subsidies for essential items like transport. This assistance will be helpful as it will alleviate some financial pressure on students, allowing them to cover their basic needs and focus more on their studies. Other types of support I’d suggest that would benefit Sarawakian students are the health services and career development workshops. Additional resources I would suggest include scholarships for academic excellence, emergency funds for unforeseen expenses, and subsidised travel for visiting home during holidays. However, i do hope that there will be a long-term support structures like scholarships and grants would further enhance their wellbeing.
ASHLEY NEESHA KHAS, 23,
Malaysia Ministry of Health Training Institute Sungai Buloh, Radiotherapy Radiographer
Financial support could indeed help students in many ways to reduce the burden of expenses, making a significant difference in their educational journey. Having a predictable allowance gives students a sense of financial stability, especially for those studying away from home, reducing stress and allowing them to focus on their growth. I do hope that the budget announcement one day will also include expanded support for affordable student housing, like subsidised on-campus hostels and government-private partnerships to build low-cost housing near campuses. Rental assistance and subsidised public transport passes could also ease costs for off-campus students. Targeted travel allowances would benefit those in healthcare training who commute to various facilities. Financial aid should extend to students from government-linked institutions, such as ILKKM, who currently lack access to programs like FlySiswa and Bantuan Yayasan.
FARAH AISHAH, 23,
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)
I do think that the assistance will help ease the financial burdens of Sarawakian students who are pursuing their studies outside of Sarawak. Given the costs of living in the Peninsula is relatively higher than in Sarawak, I’m certain that by providing financial assistance will be of a huge help for students even in terms of not having to worry about their next meal. This may seem and sound far fetched but providing assistance in allocating accommodation would also be of a benefit for Sarawakian students who are studying away from home. Finding an affordable and suitable place to stay in other cities are undeniably difficult in terms of feasibility and financially. Perhaps the government could look into either investing in a residential area with the sole purpose of renting it out specifically for Sarawakian students.
LILISARI RAMLI, 20
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM),
Second year student in Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours
As a university student, I would say it is enough for just a whole semester expenses depends on how they spend but not enough to pay the college rental and university fee. I hope there would be living expenses including food, transportation and internet so we can focus on study rather than worrying about everyday costs. I also need some allowance for healthcare so that I can buy medicine if i’m sick. This allowance would relieve many of us because at some point we will worry about monthly expenses instead of our academics but we also do not want to burden our parents because we know they need more than us. So this allowance would give us more stability of mental and physical which can lead to better academic outcomes and as a support for us to thrive and succeed for our beloved family. The pocket money would help to indirectly cover my whole semester expenses which I will consider as investment from the government to produce more successful graduates.
