KUCHING: The Sarawak government has announced that no repayment is required for the pocket allowance provided to students from Sarawak pursuing higher education at Institutions of Higher Learning (IPT).

The Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg announced this positive news, , during the launch of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030: Highlights of 2023 event held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia on Friday.

"A pocket allowance of RM1,200 will be free to students for two semesters. This means they will have more than RM100 per month, considering semester breaks.

"They can use this money to purchase food and necessities, which is free from the Sarawak Government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). We understand the challenges students face without a financial allowance," he said.

He added that the RM1,200 allowance is the first step by the Sarawak government to strengthen education in the region, other than the free education initiative in 2026.

"During the second half of the PCDS 2030 phase, starting in 2026, we will offer free higher education at state-owned universities. Of course, this will require significant funding.

"However, I assure you that all of this is within our capacity as I have made the necessary calculations," he added.

Also present at the event were Sarawak Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration), Datu Buckland Bangik, Advisor to the Sarawak Premier’s Office, Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, and heads of state government departments. -UKASnews