KUCHING: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew praised the Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as a ground-breaking initiative, the first of its kind in Malaysia, that reaffirms its commitment to supporting underprivileged students.
“The scheme not only covers full tuition fees but also provides an annual living allowance of up to RM15,000 for students from low-income families, ensuring they can complete their studies without financial hardship,” he said.
Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, explained that the Sarawak Cabinet approved the RM15,000 annual allowance on March 20 for students from households earning RM1,500 or less per capita.
“If calculated based on a 10-semester academic structure, eligible students could receive RM1,500 per month.
“However, if distributed over 12 months, the allowance averages RM1,250 per month,” he elaborated.
He stressed that many families, especially daily wage earners and single-parent households, struggle with university expenses.
“This allowance is targeted at students in genuine financial need, ensuring they can focus on their education without additional financial pressure,” he added.
The Sarawak government aims to prevent students from taking on part-time work that could hinder their studies.
Ting highlighted that some had previously dropped out despite free secondary education due to financial constraints, a situation the government is determined to prevent.
The FTES covers tuition fees for Sarawakian students at local universities, including Swinburne Sarawak, Curtin Malaysia, UTS and i-CATS.
Eligible students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as law, medicine, accounting and finance will also receive financial aid when the scheme begins next year.
“This also applies to Sarawakian students currently studying abroad or at other universities.
“If they choose to return and continue their education in Sarawak’s recognised institutions, they too will qualify for the scheme,” Ting explained.
Expressing confidence in the scheme’s impact, Ting said it would alleviate financial burdens for many Sarawakian students while fostering a skilled workforce for the state’s development.
“This initiative will play a key role in nurturing Sarawak’s future talents and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic aspirations,” he added.
He reaffirmed that the scheme is inclusive and based on merit, regardless of race or economic background.
“The Sarawak government’s vision is to develop and retain local talent by providing the best possible educational opportunities to every deserving student,” he concluded.
