KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of RM81,250 was channelled to 500 primary and secondary school students in Kota Samarahan under the ‘Jom ke Sekolah 2026’ programme.
The aid, implemented by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and Yayasan RISDA through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, benefited students from 40 primary schools and five secondary schools across the constituency, easing the financial burden of low-income families amid rising living costs.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Rubiah Wang, said the programme was not merely a handover of assistance but reflected the concern and commitment of the government and its agencies towards education and the wellbeing of students.
“The objective is to help parents, especially those with low incomes, so their children can enter the school year with confidence, pride and motivation,” she said in her speech at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre today (Jan 23).
Rubiah expressed her appreciation to RISDA Sarawak, Yayasan RISDA and the Kota Samarahan parliamentary office for working together to ensure the assistance reached eligible recipients, as well as the Kota Samarahan District Education Office (PPD) for its role in selecting students based on verified records.
Under the programme, each selected student received school bags, stationery and cash assistance.
Rubiah noted that care was taken to ensure the items provided were practical and suitable for students’ needs, adding that the cash component could be used to purchase additional school necessities such as sports attire or footwear.
Rubiah also highlighted that various agencies under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), including MARA, KEMAS, GIATMARA and FELCRA, continue to complement education initiatives in rural areas despite education not being their core mandate.
Calling for strong cooperation from parents and schools, she also urged efforts to address bullying and ensure a safe learning environment.
“We want Kota Samarahan to be recognised as a city of knowledge, not just with good facilities, but with students who grow into thinkers and contributors to the state and the nation,” she added.
