KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan students in the Middle East received a funding boost as well as career advice when Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor visited them in Cairo recently.
He told them the state government understood the high cost of living and expenses borne by the students and their families, which was why the RM1.85mil approved for them was appropriate.
"This allocation is to help lessen their burden," he said, adding that distribution of the assistance would be coordinated by Yayasan Sabah and Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.
“I want you to stay focused on your studies and use this opportunity to learn the Quran and Hadis in-depth,” Hajiji told the students.
He said having this deeper understanding would enhance the students’ intellectual value, making them assets to the nation when they return.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a gathering with Sabah students studying at universities in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia on Saturday (March 18).
More than 200 students from Sabah are currently studying in these countries.
Accompanying Hajiji were state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Arif, state secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong and Yayasan Sabah director Datuk Haji Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar.
He also witnessed the handing over of RM10,000 to purchase books for the Wisma Yayasan Sabah library in Cairo from the Sabah Islamic Council (MUIS), a Hadrah set worth RM4,000 from the Perbadanan Baitulmal Negeri Sabah, as well as computers to the Egypt Students Association contributed by the state Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
The Chief Minister also had tea with the students before flying off with his wife and entourage to Mecca to perform the Umrah.
On March 16, the Chief Minister visited the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
He was accompanied by Safar, Sawit Kinabalu Group managing director Datuk Bacho Jansie and board members.
