KUCHING: All Sarawakian students in tertiary institutions in Malaysia will now receive RM1,200 pocket money from the state government across the board, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
He announced the updated policy following concerns raised by several backbenchers on using per capita household income as the eligibility criteria for the assistance.
"I have listened to these concerns and I am pleased to announce that all Sarawakian students in higher education institutions throughout Malaysia will be eligible, irrespective of their family's income.
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"This is the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government’s commitment to ensuring that the welfare of our young talents is well cared for," he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (Nov 20).
In his budget speech on Nov 11, Abang Johari had said the pocket money would benefit 25,000 students from lower-income families with a per capita household income of RM1,500 or below.
Per capita household income refers to the gross monthly household income divided by the number of family members.
The Premier also said Sarawakian students were the talent pipeline for the future and would contribute to the state's advancement upon graduation.
"I want our students to be able to focus 100% on their studies and not worry about having enough funds for food or transportation," he said.
