Pahang: The Pahang state government has allocated RM9 million to provide a one-off RM400 aid to approximately 20,000 eligible Pahang students enrolled in selected higher education institutions across the nation this year. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail announced that this allocation marks an increase of RM1 million from the previous year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wan Rosdy emphasized the state government's dedication to supporting the welfare and future of Pahang students through the Pahang Makmur Initiative (IM) 2026 Student Cluster. This aid has seen progressive enhancements since 2022, initially starting at RM200, then increasing to RM300 in 2023, and reaching RM400 since 2025. The amount will be sustained this year as part of the state government's ongoing commitment.
The announcement was made during a launch ceremony at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), attended by Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah and UTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim. Wan Rosdy also highlighted other educational support initiatives provided by the state government through Yayasan Pahang, including a one-off study grant of RM700 for pre-university students and RM1,200 for postgraduate students.
Additionally, educational loans and scholarships are available under the Menteri Besar Scholarship Scheme (BKMB) and the Excellent Student Scheme (SPC). Wan Rosdy stated that education is regarded as a strategic investment for the state, and the government is committed to ensuring no Pahang-born student is hindered by financial constraints.
He further emphasized the importance of prioritizing student welfare to cultivate knowledgeable, competitive, and morally upright future generations, contributing to a more prosperous and harmonious Pahang. Students were encouraged to be discerning, mature, and capable of distinguishing facts from sentiment to maintain state stability and harmony.
In a press conference, Wan Rosdy disclosed plans to increase the Pahang IM Student Cluster allocation next year to further alleviate the financial burden on students from various backgrounds. He indicated that the additional allocation would exceed RM400, contingent on the state's financial capacity.
The event saw the attendance of 534 Pahang-born students who received the aid. These students were from institutions including UTM, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and were part of the Pahang Students' Council (MAMPAN).