MIRI: The Sarawak Government’s initiative to provide free education at local universities by 2026 is not viewed as a financial burden but rather a strategic long-term investment aimed at nurturing a highly skilled generation of Sarawakians.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that although the cost of implementing the initiative would be significant, the state government is confident it can fully cover tuition fees and even provide additional financial aid to students.

“We are not just offering free tuition fees for Sarawakian students, but also a yearly allowance of RM15,000 for each university student,” he announced.

“If we have around 10,000 students, the total expenditure would amount to approximately RM700 million a year, inclusive of the allowance. However, this will not be a burden to the Sarawak Government, because this is something we are doing for our children,” he said.

The Premier made the remarks during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering hosted by five branches of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Miri, held at a hotel here on Saturday.

Elaborating further, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari underscored the value of education not only as a means to uplift living standards but also as a catalyst in producing skilled Sarawakians who can explore emerging fields and thrive in the modern economy.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering local youth through quality education and capacity-building, which he said is crucial for developing a resilient and competitive community.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers from the State Cabinet, Deputy Minister of Health and Chairman of the Event Organising Committee Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, along with other distinguished guests. -UKASnews