Sarawak launches Rental Assistance Scheme for outstation higher education students

Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS)

KUCHING, Jan 23: Sarawakian students enrolled in higher learning institutions in the State can now apply for Sarawak Rental Assistance Scheme (SRAS) – an aid scheme worth RM200 for up to 36 months.

This was shared by Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian in a social media post today.

This assistance, however, is only applicable to those studying outstation in Sarawak and having to rent a room or house.

“The SRAS scheme is extended to IPTA (public universities) and IPTS (private universities) students from outside the districts of Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri,” the post read.

Effective Jan 1, 2024, the scheme has updated its application criteria to include married applicants with a monthly household income of not exceeding RM4,556, single parents or working single applicants with a monthly household income of not exceeding RM4,556 and the students renting in Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

The enhancement of SRAS was first brought to attention by Deputy Minister of MPHLG Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee in a previous report dated Nov 28, 2023.

In addition, applicants who wish to apply for the SRAS need to submit supporting documents such as a copy of identification card (applicant or spouse), a copy of marriage/divorce certificate, a copy of birth certificate/MyKid or MyKad of the child who is dependent and living with the applicant, a salary statement showing the gross monthly income of the head of household/spouse, a copy of OKU card for OKU applicant, a signed and stamped rental agreement, the consent of the owner of the premises for the tenant to participate in SRAS, and photos of the rented premises.

Further information on the criteria can be obtained from the HDC website at www.hdc.sarawak.gov.my or by contacting 82-444381/082-444681. — DayakDaily