LONDON, England: The Sarawak government is awaiting approval and clear guidelines from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to ensure fair and proper disbursement of special financial aid to Sarawakian students pursuing studies overseas.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that currently, the special financial aid of RM1,200 is being disbursed to Sarawakian students studying at institutions of higher learning (IPTs) throughout Malaysia.
However, he noted that this special assistance has not yet been extended to students pursuing their education overseas.
“The main challenge arises when we try to transfer funds abroad, as it involves foreign currency exchange and is therefore subject to strict oversight by financial authorities.
“The issue isn’t a reluctance to offer support, but rather the complexity of the process, which requires clear guidelines and approval from BNM,” he said during the Sarawak Agenda Town Hall session held in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2025 – UK Edition today local time.
For context, the special financial assistance for IPT students was announced in the Sarawak Budget 2025, presented during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November 2024.
This initiative is aimed particularly at supporting students from low-income families.
The Premier also noted the importance of ensuring that this assistance is distributed fairly to all students, regardless of whether they are studying domestically or abroad.
He stressed that the state government must ensure the value of the assistance is equal in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP).
“If the aid given to students abroad exceeds that of local students, it could raise questions.
“Therefore, we must ensure that the value of the assistance is equivalent when measured in purchasing power,” he said.
