Sarawak to continue RM1,200 student pocket money, RM300 flight subsidy in 2027

Student welfare remains a priority under Sarawak Budget 2027, with allocations for daily expenses, return flights and scholarships. Photo credit: Office of Premier of Sarawak (OPS)

By Christine T

KUCHING, Oct 12: Sarawak will continue its RM1,200 Special Pocket Money assistance for students and the Graduan Pulang Sarawak (i-GPS) flight subsidy in 2027, which allows eligible students to claim up to RM300 per trip.

When tabling the Supply Bill (2027), 2026, or Sarawak Budget 2027, at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said RM50 million had been allocated for the Special Pocket Money assistance to help students cover essential living expenses such as food and daily necessities.

“In our effort to promote educational equity and support student well-being, we will continue providing Special Pocket Money assistance to Sarawakian students enrolled in Diploma and Degree programmes at recognised institutions of higher learning across Malaysia,” he said.

Abang Johari also said the i-GPS initiative, which was introduced in 2019, provides subsidies for return flights to students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan.

“Each eligible student may claim the subsidy twice annually, up to RM300 per trip.

“RM8 million is allocated next year to continue supporting this initiative,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak government is allocating RM18.5 million for the Biasiswa Pinjaman Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak, as well as Tunku Abdul Rahman and Local Scholarships.

Yayasan Sarawak will provide a further RM206 million for scholarships and study loans in 2027, Abang Johari said.

He said the combined assistance from the Sarawak government and Yayasan Sarawak would continue to expand access to quality education locally and abroad. — DayakDaily