RM300 subsidy for Sabah students studying in local higher education institutions

3 November 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will provide a one-off RM300 subsidy to students studying at public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in the state, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He stated that this one-off assistance is given to students studying in the state to help them return to their hometowns during the festive season.

“For example, students from Tawau or Sandakan studying in Kota Kinabalu and vice versa will benefit from this one-off subsidy. They can use this assistance to purchase bus or flight tickets.

“The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government under my leadership is one that always listens to the grievances of the people. That’s why we pay attention to what the people, including our students, request.

“Various initiatives and assistance provided to the people, especially students, aim to develop knowledgeable and educated human capital that will help advance this state in the future,” he said during the closing ceremony of the GRS Student Convention at Raia Hotel here on Sunday.

However, he mentioned that detailed information regarding the subsidy, including the number of recipients, is currently being processed by the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, he noted that during Ramadan, a one-off subsidy of RM600 was given to Sabah students studying at public and private HEIs in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Labuan.

“Previously, I announced the implementation of an airplane subsidy we named 'Graduan Rindu Sabah.' Through this initiative, Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Labuan receive a one-off assistance of RM600 each. This assistance is used by students to return home for the celebrations or semester breaks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hajiji, who is also the Chairman of GRS, wants the GRS Student Wing to continue engaging with students in the state to ensure their support for GRS.

He stated that the youth are crucial to the success of GRS in the 17th State Election.

“According to the latest records from the Election Commission (EC), nearly 950,000 young voters (aged 18 to 40) are expected to vote in the upcoming PRN-17 next year.

“Therefore, I urge the GRS Student Wing to keep reaching out to students. This is important to ensure that they support GRS. GRS is a party that prioritizes the interests of young people.

“Most importantly, this wing should help convince the public, especially students in higher education institutions, about the policies and initiatives undertaken by the GRS government, as well as the importance of political stability for the future of the people and the state,” he said.