Sarawak’s continued investment in education gets thumbs up

SIBU: Sarawak’s continued investment in education, backed by millions of ringgit in funding for tertiary studies, language proficiency and student loan repayment assistance, reflects the state government’s determination to expand educational opportunities for its younger generation.

Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth chief Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie said the Sarawak Budget 2027 demonstrated the state government’s sustained commitment to developing human capital and nurturing young talents, describing the allocations as an encouraging step towards securing a stronger future for Sarawak.

He was commenting on the Budget tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Monday (Oct 12).

Lau, who is also Bawang Assan SUPP chairman, highlighted the RM200 million allocation for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme in 2027, which is expected to benefit up to 10,600 Sarawak students.

He said the initiative would help widen access to higher education and ease the financial burden on families, allowing more young Sarawakians to pursue further studies and prepare themselves for future employment opportunities.

Beyond tertiary education, he said the state government had also allocated RM7 million for the Dual Language Programme (DLP), underscoring the importance of strengthening students’ command of English while maintaining their proficiency in Bahasa Melayu.

Under the allocation, RM1 million would go towards the DLP itself, while another RM6 million would be channelled towards standardised assessments.

The programme supports the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English alongside Bahasa Melayu, with the aim of strengthening students’ English proficiency and equipping them with the language skills needed to navigate an increasingly competitive academic and professional environment.

Lau also drew attention to the RM10 million allocation to continue the Higher Education Loan Repayment Subsidy Scheme in 2027, which provides assistance to eligible Sarawak students who have repaid more than 30 per cent of their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans.

He described the scheme as a practical form of assistance that helps eligible graduates manage their education-related financial commitments after completing their studies.

According to him, Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia to have introduced such a policy, reflecting its efforts to provide targeted support to students beyond the classroom and into their post-graduation years.

He said the combination of free tertiary education, support for language development and PTPTN loan repayment subsidies demonstrated that the state government’s education agenda extended beyond providing access to education, encompassing the development of skills and the easing of financial pressures faced by students and their families.

Although most education-related responsibilities fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, he said Sarawak’s continued willingness to commit substantial state funding to education reflected its determination to invest in the long-term well-being and development of its people.

“Sustained investment in education was essential to preparing Sarawak’s younger generation to meet future challenges and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth and development,” added Lau, who is also Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Standing Committee chairman for Environment and Public Health.