Kota bharu: The Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) has awarded its Special Tengku Anis Scholarship to three Orang Asli students who have successfully gained admission into Fully Residential Schools (SBP). MAIK secretary Muhamad Rasani Ramli announced the scholarship was granted to Elfira Nur Zulhaiza Emmie, Muhammad Putra Faizul Ab Ghani, and Nur Muhammad Al Khawarizmi Rosmi, all aged 13.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the three students, admitted to Sekolah Menengah Sains Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra, will receive RM450 per month, credited directly to them until they complete their studies in Form Five. Muhamad Rasani noted that this is the first instance of scholarships being awarded to Orang Asli students, as they were previously intended for asnaf students via the State Education Department (JPN) or Yayasan Islam Kelantan. He emphasized that upon completing Form Five, MAIK will consider providing further assistance to help them pursue higher education.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Education Department director Siti Norina Muhamad stated that currently, five Orang Asli students have been offered places at SBPs, with three at Sekolah Menengah Sains Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra and two at Sekolah Menengah Sains Gua Musang. The department is aiming to double the number of Orang Asli students placed in SBP next year. Special attention will be given by teachers to ensure their performance aligns with other students.

Siti Norina also highlighted that the State Education Department is collaborating with several agencies, including MAIK, to ensure the welfare of these students is adequately addressed.