Abang Johari is greeted by members of the public upon his arrival at the groundbreaking ceremony of Samarahan Boulevard in Samarahan on Jan 17, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

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By Shikin Louis

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Jan 17: Sarawak will look into extending its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to Sarawakian students studying in public universities across Malaysia in a later stage.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move is part of the State’s long-term plan to develop a future-ready workforce.

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“We are currently training our children through Sarawak-owned universities under the FTES.

“In the next stage, we may also provide support for Sarawakian students studying in public universities nationwide,” he said when speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Samarahan Boulevard near Al-Muttaqin Mosque here today.

Abang Johari added that the expansion would depend on State income and resources, forming the second stage of Sarawak’s human capital development strategy.

Under the FTES, all Sarawakian children who enrol in State-owned universities will receive free education starting this year. The universities are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and i-CATS University College.

A total of 64 undergraduate programmes have been identified for inclusion in the scheme, which will be implemented regardless of students’ family income background.

To further support students from low-income and B40 households, FTES also provides additional financial assistance of up to RM15,000 per year, comprising RM5,000 for accommodation through designated SIHL Housing Units and RM10,000 in living expenses via SPay Global. – DayakDaily