SIBU: The RM1,200 pocket money assistance for Sarawakian students pursuing their studies at institutions of higher learning (IPTs) across Malaysia, which was announced last year, is expected to be disbursed this coming June.
According to the Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, his ministry has just concluded discussions with the S-Pay Global e-wallet platform regarding the method of disbursing the funds.
The Nangka assemblyman said registration for the financial aid will open at the end of this month, with disbursement to take place in June.
“It will be given in two phases — RM600 first, followed by the remaining RM600,” he said this when met by reporters after a ‘Berjarah Raya’ (raya visit) to several homes in Kampung Hilir here last night (Apr 15).
He expressed hope that students would be patient, as the implementation of new initiatives such as this often requires some time before they can be fully carried out.
“InshaAllah, next year there won’t be such issues anymore. As this is the first time, there are a few things that we need to fine-tune,” he said.
The pocket money assistance initiative was announced by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg in his winding-up speech during the final day of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November last year.
This initiative, initially targeted at students from low-income families, was later expanded to include all Sarawakian students, regardless of household income, following feedback from state assembly members.
