Premier to announce pocket money initiative for S’wakian higher-learning students during state budget announcement this Nov

KUCHING (Oct 19): Some 25,000 Sarawakian students studying in higher learning institutions across Malaysia will receive pocket money from the state government, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said that he will announce the amount in the 2025 Sarawak Budget, which is set to be tabled next month.

“I will announce the details next month. The pocket money will be provided for Sarawakian students studying in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia.

“Based on my estimate, this initiative will benefit around 25,000 students across the country.

“However, only those with a valid Sarawakian identity card marked with a ‘K’ will be eligible for this assistance.

“Whether studying at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), or other colleges, we will provide help to cover basic necessities each month.

“Alhamdullilah, our state’s revenue continues to increase each year, and we work hard to generate funds that we can give back to the people of Sarawak,” he said during a townhall session during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) at Malaysia International Trade Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Abang Johari said that he understands many Sarawakian students studying outside the state are facing high living costs.

Therefore, he said that the latest incentive from the Sarawak government aims to assist students dealing with such challenges.

“It’s too early for me to announce the exact amount, but I can hint that it involves millions of ringgit.

“Let’s wait for the good news in the budget on Nov 20,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof; Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang who is also the minister in charge of LBAS 2024; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni who is also Chairman of the LBAS 2024 Townhall Committee.