KUCHING: A Sarawak civil society organisation is offering travel subsidies of up to RM500 for students to return home and vote in the Dec 12 state election.
Persatuan Pemangkin Daya Masyarakat, also known as ROSE, aims to raise RM70,000 under its Dana Bawa Mahasiswa Balik Undi 2026 initiative, which will benefit 200 to 300 students.
"We understand that travel costs, particularly flight tickets, can be a financial burden on students.
"We believe that geographical distance and financial constraints should not prevent youths from participating in the democratic process," ROSE said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 12).
Its initiative offers a subsidy of RM500 for Sarawakian students studying in tertiary institutions in Peninsular Malaysia, covering return flights to Sarawak.
Those studying in Sarawak-based institutions away from their home districts can apply for a subsidy of RM100-RM200 for bus travel.
The subsidy amount will be determined based on distance, transport cost and place of origin.
ROSE said applicants must purchase their flight or bus tickets first before submitting reimbursement claims.
It called on the public, corporate bodies and civil society organisations to contribute to the fund.
"This initiative requires everyone's support," it said.
ROSE also stressed the initiative's non-partisan nature, saying it does not support any political party or candidate contesting in the election.
It said the financial assistance was not conditional on political support or voting preference.
"We will also not ask for information about an individual's choice of candidate or photos of ballot papers.
"We believe that a healthy democracy requires free, informed and voluntary participation," it said.
The application form is available at https://forms.gle/rZjTX4ZJ1y56GaBv7
