KUCHING: The pocket money initiative for Sarawakian students in tertiary institutions across the country is expected to be implemented this coming April.
Deputy Director of Yayasan Sarawak, Watson Chunggat Leornard Doo, said the mechanism for disbursing the pocket money is still being finalised.
“The initiative will most likely begin in April this year, but the mechanism is not fully ready yet.
“Once it is finalised, we will begin our roadshow, and the initiative will kick off right after that,” he said when speaking to reporters after attending the MyUniversityMyChoice programme at Hikmah Exchange Centre today (Feb 7).
Last year, during the presentation of the 2025 Sarawak Budget, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that all Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions nationwide would be eligible for RM1,200 in pocket money from the Sarawak government.
He said that the initiative would be provided regardless of the student’s family income.
“During the recent Lan Berambeh 2024, I announced a special financial assistance initiative in the form of pocket money for tertiary students.
“In my 2025 Budget speech, I provided further details on this RM1,200 pocket money, which will be given to students from low-income groups with a household per capita income of RM1,500 or below.
“A few Honourable Members of this august house raised concerns about using per capita income as the eligibility criterion for this assistance.
“I have listened to these concerns, and I am pleased to announce that all Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions throughout Malaysia will be eligible, regardless of their family’s income,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the website of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, the initiative is intended for Sarawakian students pursuing a diploma or bachelor’s degree in Malaysia. These students will receive RM1,200 annually in two phases via the SPay e-wallet.
The website also stated that the online application system for the initiative is currently under development and is expected to be launched in April.
