Kuching: The Sarawak government is actively exploring a mechanism to extend annual financial assistance of RM15,000 to students from low-income families, classified as B40, who are studying in public higher education institutions (IPTA) across the nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has stated that currently, this assistance is limited to students attending state-owned universities. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder Sarawakians from pursuing higher education, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.

The Premier emphasized that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is assessing ways to extend similar assistance to Sarawak students enrolled in IPTAs nationwide. He acknowledged the existing challenges faced by Sarawakian students at both public and private higher learning institutions, such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and noted that the government is currently offering Special Financial Assistance for Sarawak Students amounting to RM1,200 annually.

In a previous announcement, the Sarawak government committed to providing free higher education beginning next year at four state-owned universities: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, and i-CATS University College. Additionally, the state has introduced an annual allowance of RM15,000 for eligible students with a per capita household income below RM1,500, under the free higher education scheme.