2024 State Budget: 5,000 S’wakian IPT students from lower-income groups to receive free laptops, says Premier

KUCHING (Nov 20): A total of 5,000 Sarawakian students from the lower-income groups who have successfully enrolled in higher learning institutions (IPT) will receive free laptops next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said a total of RM15 million would be allocated for this purpose in the State Budget 2024.

“The free laptops would be given to Sarawakian students who have successfully enrolled into IPTA (public higher learning institutions) and IPTS (private higher learning institutions) from households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below.

“This assistance is expected to benefit 5,000 students with an allocation of RM15 million in this Budget.  This initiative promises to empower our students with the essential technology they need to excel in their academic pursuit,” he said when presenting the 2024 State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.

The Premier said the state government will also give book vouchers of RM500 to 35,000 Sarawakian university and college students from households with per capita income of RM1,500 per month and below next year.

“A sum of RM17.5 million will be allocated for this purpose next year, which will be managed by Yayasan Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari said the proposed two initiatives under the Educational Assistance Programmes reflect the state government’s commitment to further mitigate the financial burden on families while enabling a broader spectrum of students to access higher learning institutions.

“We recognise the need for us to mitigate the cost-of-living pressures among the low and middle-income groups, especially when it comes to bearing the cost of our children’s education,” he added.