Sagah (seated, centre) during a press conference at the media room during DUS sitting on Dec 1, 2025. Also seen are Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (seated, left) and Datuk Francis Harden Anak Hollis, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) (seated, right).

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By Marlynda Meraw

KUCHING, Dec 1: The finer points of Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) are set to be announced by the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) on December 18, 2025.

The announcement was confirmed by Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn during a press conference at the media room at the DUS complex today.

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He later addressed the scheme’s budget, which was initially estimated at RM450 million but now stands at RM250 million for its inaugural year in 2026.

Sagah stated firmly that the adjustment would not compromise the courses offered at the four eligible State-owned universities.

“No (it will not affect the courses,” said Sagah when asked by a reporter. “This (scheme) amount was based on a rough estimation in the beginning. We initially thought every eligible Sarawakian would attend the four universities.”

However, he later explained that this may not reflect the actual situation.

Sagah added that the current allocation of RM250 million also covers students who are already enrolled in the four participating higher learning institutions.

The Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will begin with an allocation of RM250 million and cover 64 undergraduate degree programmes in its first year. — DayakDaily