KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming Sarawak Budget presentation has drawn strong anticipation from students, many of whom hope for continued financial support and new incentives from the state government.
At the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) on Saturday, several Sarawakian students shared their expectations following Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent remarks hinting at key allocations for youth and education during the Sarawak Agenda: Town Hall session.
According to 23-year-old Mazlene Jessie Nafgerin, a Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student, the RM1,200 student incentive ensured no student was left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“The RM1,200 incentive assistance for students is a very wise initiative to ensure that no student is left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“I hope more forms of government assistance will be announced in the upcoming Budget presentation,” she said.
Meanwhile, another student, Marverly Terence, 23, also from UTM, expressed concern that high airfare costs remained a major challenge for Sarawakian students studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Sarawakian students studying outside the state often face challenges due to high airfare costs.
“Therefore, we are eagerly awaiting exciting announcements from the government, especially regarding the operations of AirBorneo Sarawak,” she added.
However, Marverly’s coursemate, Kouchiyassi, also 23, hopes that the state government will encourage both the public and private sectors to offer incentives to students undergoing industrial training.
“Industrial training is an important step for students entering the job market.
“Hence, we truly hope that the Sarawak government will ensure that both government and private sector employers can provide allowances for industrial trainees in the future,” he said.
Mohammad Azrin Jemat, 23, from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, hopes the Budget 2025 will continue the RM1,200 student incentive to further ease students’ financial burdens.
“I hope this year’s Budget announcement will focus on easing the financial burden of students, whether studying within or outside Sarawak, including continuing the RM1,200 student incentive assistance,” he said.
The Budget 2025 presentation by the Premier is expected to outline new measures to support education, youth empowerment, and cost-of-living relief in line with Sarawak’s development agenda.
