The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, has clarified that the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) will apply only to selected science-related courses in the four state-owned universities.
Sagah insisted the initiative must align with Sarawak’s future workforce needs rather than blanket demands for universal coverage, during a press conference at the DUN Media Room yesterday (Nov 27).
“The scheme is designed to support Sarawak’s shift to a green, science-driven economy, particularly as industries require more graduates in engineering, technology, and other STEM fields.
“This free education is not for every course. We need to ensure the assistance goes to selected programmes that align with our talent development policy.
“As we move into the green economy and science-related industries, we must train people in science courses. That is our priority,” he said.
Sagah added that the scheme will cover an estimated 64 selected courses, and only for students enrolled in Sarawak-owned universities.
“It is only offered in our four Sarawak universities. We cannot extend it to other public universities because they fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction,” he said.
While projections estimate around 10,000 potential beneficiaries, he stressed that the final numbers will depend on student choices and eligibility.
“Applications will follow the standard process for studying.
“All Sarawak students with the ‘K’ status can apply. This is based on relevant academic qualifications.
“More details will be announced by the Premier on the 18th,” he said.
Sagah also dismissed calls to broaden the scheme indiscriminately, describing such proposals as unrealistic.
“Even though some parties are asking for everyone to be paid for, worldwide, even, that is absurd,” he said.
However, earlier during the Supply Bill debate, Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen welcomed the FTES initiative but criticised the decision to limit the RM15,000 annual living stipend to students in the four state-owned universities, arguing that it leaves behind B40 Sarawakian students studying at UNIMAS, UiTM, other public universities, and private institutions.
“For B40 families, accommodation and living expenses are as much a burden as tuition fees.
“By confining the stipend to only state-owned universities, the government has excluded and neglected the needs of B40 students in UNIMAS, UiTM and other colleges,” he said.
He called on the state government to extend the stipend equally to all Sarawakian undergraduates from B40 families, regardless of where they study.
