KUCHING: The verification process for the Sarawak government’s RM1,200 Special Financial Assistance (Bantuan Kewangan Khas or BKK) is progressing steadily, with half of the 42,000 applications already vetted and approved.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee said the remaining applications are expected to be verified by the end of this month.
“This is the first time we’re implementing this initiative, so the verification took a bit longer than expected.
“Some of the applicants were found to be ineligible, which is normal in a large-scale initiative like this. But once verified, the money can be transferred without any issue,” he said.
He told reporters after handing over education aid to underprivileged students of Technology College Sarawak (TCS) here today.
The RM1,200 assistance is part of the Sarawak government’s free education initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden of students from B40 households, especially those enrolled in private higher learning institutions across the state.
Dr. Annuar said only new applicants would require verification in future rounds, while returning recipients would be automatically eligible.
He also assured that the initiative is genuine and government-backed, dismissing concerns that it might be a political promise or a publicity gimmick.
“This is not a lie and not a false promise. The aid is real, and the government is committed to helping Sarawakians access education.
“We just want to make sure the right students receive the aid. That’s why verification is important,” he said.
Previous news report stated that the BKK would be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Jun 28 where approved applicants would receive their first disbursement immediately after the launch.
Meanwhile, during the handing over ceremony, 118 students of TCS received RM1,000 education aid from Yayasan Taqwa-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP), aiming to ease their burden of educational cost such as transport, meals and learning materials.