Sabahan students to get RM300 annually to return home for festivals

KOTA KINABALU: Sabahan students studying in public and private higher learning institutions within the state will be given RM300 annually to defer travel costs.

The Sabah Chief Minister said that the subsidy was to help students return to their hometowns for festive celebrations.

"For example, students from Tawau or Sandakan studying in Kota Kinabalu can use this to buy bus or ferry tickets," Hajiji said during the Mahasiswa GRS Convention here on Sunday (Nov 3).

"We are committed to listening to the needs of our people, especially students, and building a well-educated generation that will drive Sabah's future development," he said, noting that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led administration prioritises supporting the youth.

He said further details, including the number of recipients, are being finalised.

Hajiji also said that during Ramadan for example, a travel subsidy of RM600 was provided to Sabahan students studying out of state, including in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Labuan.

The programme, known as Graduan Rindu Sabah, was designed to help students reunite with their families during major holidays or semester breaks.

Meanwhile, Hajiji, who is also GRS chairman, encouraged the young party members to continue engaging students across Sabah, emphasising their crucial role in the upcoming 17th Sabah Election.