KUCHING: The Sarawak Government’s recent announcement to implement free tertiary education beginning in 2026 has been warmly welcomed by people from all walks of life across the state.

For Irda Suriati Wen, a civil servant, the news came as a beacon of hope, especially for parents who have long dreamed of sending their children to university but lacked the means to do so.

“I’m truly grateful for what the Premier of Sarawak has planned. Initiatives like this should have been introduced a long time ago, because they can really motivate Sarawakian children to pursue higher education.

“Financial constraints are often the biggest hurdle. But with this programme in place, I feel the path to education will be much more accessible,” she told UKAS reporters during an interview on Monday.

She added that education is a top priority in life.

“Education is the most important thing. Without it, we really wouldn’t be able to go far in life.”

Meanwhile, Siti Hara Ibrahim sees the policy as a reflection of the state government’s strong commitment to empowering its people through educational opportunities.

“By offering free tertiary education, more students — especially those from rural areas and B40 families — will have a real chance to study without the burden of financial worry.

“This will help narrow both the educational and economic gaps, and contribute to the growth of a more knowledgeable, competitive society.”

She believes the impact of this initiative will extend well beyond individual students, helping to shape the overall development of the state.

For Nur Batrisyia, a young working woman, the policy strikes a personal chord. Like many others, she is still repaying her student loan.

“When I was studying, I relied entirely on PTPTN. Now that I’m working, almost half my salary still goes towards paying back that loan. Future students will have the advantage of starting life after graduation free of debt.”

She welcomes the initiative not only from a welfare perspective but also as a long-term investment in the state’s future.

“This is a policy that will support Sarawak’s development. With more young Sarawakians able to study, we’ll have a better-trained workforce. And when they’re not weighed down by debt, they can contribute more freely to the state’s economy.”

The Free Tertiary Education Sarawak (FTES) scheme, set to begin in 2026, will cover full tuition fees for Sarawakian students pursuing bachelor's degrees at four state-owned institutions: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College.

Additionally, students from B40 households will receive an annual cost-of-living allowance of RM15,000 starting in 2026. -UKASnews