Numerous Initiatives Introduced to Support Sabah Students

21 August 2025

TUARAN: There are an unprecedented number of initiatives introduced by the current State Government to support students in Sabah under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said, "Never before have so many initiatives been implemented for the development of human capital and education in the state. Over the past five years, we have allocated a total of RM1.33 billion towards this effort."

Speaking at the official opening of the SK Bundung Hall in Topokon, which has been named in his honour, the Chief Minister said the amount allocated for state scholarships this year had risen significantly to RM138 million, compared to approximately RM50 million in previous years.

“Even this amount is insufficient, and I have instructed the State Secretary to increase the allocation next year so that more high-achieving Sabah students can benefit from the assistance,” he added.

Hajiji also noted that the State Government provides RM200 in cash assistance to around 40,000 students sitting for their SPM and STPM examinations annually.

“I understand that among these 40,000 students, many come from underprivileged families. I recall when I was preparing for my Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) examination in 1971, my mother had to borrow RM15 from relatives just to pay for the exam fee. I know how difficult it can be,” he said.

The Chief Minister affirmed that human capital and education development will remain key priorities for the current administration.

“Human capital and education are central to the state’s overall development under the SMJ roadmap. While we have made considerable progress in advancing Sabah’s economy through the agriculture, tourism and industrial sectors, our mission will not be complete if we neglect the education sector,” he said.

Hajiji also urged teachers to play a proactive role in sharing accurate information about government policies and development programmes.

“Do not be influenced by the slander and misinformation spread by the opposition, who remain oblivious to the achievements of the State Government,” he stressed.

He went on to point out the government’s strong track record in attracting high-impact investments and generating employment opportunities in Sabah.

“If we were doing things wrongly, why would so many investors continue to come to Sabah?” he said, citing the most recent investment from a Singapore-based company which plans to invest RM31 billion in three phases in Sipitang.

Hajiji also took part in a farewell cake-cutting ceremony for the retiring headmistress of SK Bundung, Grace Subramaniam.

Also present at the event was Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Seri Panglima Jahid Jahim.