KUCHING: A total of 108 students from the Stampin constituency have been awarded higher education bursaries amounting to RM162,000 through the Stampin Constituency Parliamentary Service Centre.
Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen said the bursaries aim to subsidise part of the students’ university expenses and ease the financial burden on their families.
He said this bursary programme is funded by the annual allocation provided by the federal Unity Government to Members of Parliament.
“Each MP can use this allocation based on the needs of their constituency to support local activities and initiatives.
“While some MPs may choose to spend the funds on hosting gatherings or celebrations, as the MP for Stampin, I, along with Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii, believe that alleviating the financial burden of tertiary education for students is a more meaningful initiative,” he said during the handover ceremony here on Sunday.
Chong, who is also the Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman, encouraged students from other constituencies to appeal to their respective MPs to implement similar programmes.
“To date, only Dr. Kelvin Yii (Bandar Kuching MP) and I have implemented this initiative among Sarawak’s parliamentary constituencies,” he said.
He also advised recipients to use the bursary wisely, prioritising essential educational expenses such as books, computer equipment, or university living costs.
“It should not be spent on unnecessary indulgences or wasted on harmful habits like alcohol or drugs,” he added.
