KUCHING: Good news for Sarawakian students studying at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Malaysia—applications for the RM1,200 Special Financial Assistance will open on May 1.

Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, announced that applications will be open for one month, closing on June 1.

He added that a second application period will open in September.

“The key announcement today is about the application dates, as students have been asking when they can apply and register.

“Registration will be open from 1 May until the end of the month. However, students who miss this period can apply in September.

“This is because some students will register or begin their studies in September, so we are providing two opportunities for registration,” he said during a special press conference at Wisma Adenan, Yayasan Sarawak, on Saturday.

Commenting on the eligibility criteria for the Special Financial Assistance for Sarawakian Students, applicants must be Sarawak citizens, with at least one parent or guardian being Sarawakian.

Additionally, applicants must be pursuing full-time Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree studies at public or private higher education institutions (IPTA or IPTS) recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.

Their enrolment must be confirmed and supported by their respective institutions.

Datuk Dr Annuar explained that RM600 will be disbursed each semester into students’ S PAY Global accounts throughout their study period.

“In other words, if your study period is four years, you will receive financial assistance for four years. If it is only one semester, you will receive assistance for one semester,” he clarified.

However, students who extend their studies beyond the standard duration of their course will no longer be eligible for the assistance.

For students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, S PAY Global is now integrated with DuitNow QR, enabling them to use the assistance at shops equipped with DuitNow QR scanning facilities.

The launch ceremony for the RM1,200 Special Financial Assistance will be officiated by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, on 28 June.

The assistance will be directly credited to the S PAY Global accounts of students who successfully apply.

Eligible students can apply via the official website at https://myys.yayasansarawak.org.my/ for more information. -UKASnews