Budget 2027: Sarawak's students in the peninsula appreciate FLYStudent growth

JOHOR BAHRU, 10 Oct: Sarawak students welcome the increase in FLYStudent MADANI grants to RM500 from next year, which is said to help reduce their financial burden throughout studying in Peninsular Malaysia.

Anselm Then Wei Xian, Deputy Student Spokesperson for Sarawak University of Technology Malaysia (UTM), said the aid was particularly meaningful to students who rely entirely on air transport for interregional travel.

"For me, this RM500 grant is very helpful for Sarawak students who are continuing their studies in Peninsular Malaysia, whether at the bachelor's, master's or doctoral level.

"We are grateful that the government understands the needs of students and students. This help can also alleviate the financial burden of parents", he said when he met TVS here today.

However, Anselm sees the recipient's eligibility requirements need to be reviewed so that more students can enjoy the aid.

He said that Sarawak students studying in private higher education institutions (IPTS), such as Taylor's University and Monash University bear high flight costs.

Meanwhile, he also cited RM300 assistance from the Sarawak Government as additional support to reduce the cost of travel back home.

"If the federal government gives RM500 and the Sarawak Government RM300, for me that help is enough.

"However, we can re-examine the qualification aspect so that IPTS students also have the opportunity to enjoy it", he said.

The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced the increase of FLYSWA MADANI aid from RM400 to RM500 when presenting Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat.

The RM100 or 25 per cent increase involves more than 60,000 applicants for public higher education institutions (IPTAs) eligible for air travel between Peninsular Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak. - TVS