Federal Government Initiatives to Assist Citizens Welcomed

15 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government warmly welcomes the Federal Government's proactive approach to supporting the people, including the early release of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) ahead of Aidilfitri celebrations to aid festive preparations.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor expressed his appreciation, noting that this move demonstrates the government’s genuine concern for public welfare, especially those in need.

Additionally, he highlighted the RM400 special assistance through the FlySiswa programme for students at public higher education institutions (IPTA), which covers domestic flights between the Peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak during the Hari Raya holidays—providing significant benefits to university students.

“The State Government is also providing an extra RM600 in assistance to Sabahan students studying in the Peninsula and Sarawak to subsidise their return flight tickets home,” he said.

“For students within the state, each will receive RM300 to help cover travel expenses for Aidilfitri.”

Hajiji made these remarks during the 2026 MADANI Iftar ceremony with the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Sunday.

He emphasised that these various incentives from both Federal and State Governments reflect a steadfast commitment to helping the rakyat, particularly the underprivileged.

Furthermore, Hajiji reaffirmed the State Government’s full support for the Prime Minister's leadership in efforts to bolster national development and promote economic growth for the people’s wellbeing.

He noted that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, Malaysia’s economy has been restored and strengthened, with record-breaking investments amounting to RM426.7 billion last year, an 11% increase from 2024, spanning over 8,000 projects and creating approximately 244,902 jobs.

Hajiji also highlighted that the strengthening of the ringgit reflects growing confidence in the country’s economic direction under the MADANI Government.

Before the event, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Chief Minister, visited a Ramadan Bazaar and met with the public at the University Apartment in Sepanggar.