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Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah mulls free tertiary education, expands student aid
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government is studying the feasibility of providing full education coverage, including free higher education, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif. While primary and secondary education is already free, the study explores extending similar support to the tertiary level. Existing efforts include the Human Resource Development Department's ILTP programme and various scholarships from the State Government and Yayasan Sabah. In reply to Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who urged Sabah to follow Sarawak's move on free university education and allowances for low-income students, Arifin said 306 students from Ranau received BUDI aid in 2024, and 29 so far in 2025. He also announced that 146 STPM students who scored 4.0 CGPA received RM1,000 each, with RM3,000 awarded to national top scorer Daniel Hakimi Roland. Under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Education Programme, 13 initiatives have been rolled out, including BUDI (IPT aid), BAKTI (exam cash), BAIK (computers), BAGUS (teacher-parent aid), BISBAH (school aid), and others targeting various educational needs. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah mulls free higher education, highlights ongoing student aid
Published on: Monday, July 07, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 07, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is studying the feasibility of providing free higher education to students, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohamad Arifin Arif. Responding to calls from Lamag Assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Arifin noted that while primary and secondary education is already free, the State is exploring tertiary-level support. Advertisement Existing programmes like BUDI and ILTP already provide aid and scholarships. In 2024, 306 students from Ranau benefited from BUDI, with 29 supported in 2025 so far. Arifin also highlighted incentives for top achievers and outlined 13 education initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) programme. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Two student rallies in KK highlight diverging views on governance and corruption
UMS students making their way to Lintasan Deasoka during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): Two peaceful rallies were held simultaneously in the state capital on Saturday, each delivering contrasting messages on governance and student concerns. The first rally, involving nearly 200 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students from the Suara Mahasiswa group, was held under the banner of Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0, an anti-corruption movement. The second rally, staged by around 50 individuals from Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah, voiced support for the State Government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Noridi (front) and members of Mahasiswa Dan Anak Muda Sabah showing their support for the State Government. The UMS student group began their rally in front of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall before marching through Wisma Sabah, Wisma Merdeka, Segama Complex and Sinsuran Complex. Their demonstration concluded for the day at Lintasan Deasoka, where they planned to camp overnight before ending the protest at noon on Sunday, June 22. According to Suara Mahasiswa president Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim, the rally was not aimed at attacking the government, but rather to denounce corruption and unjust governance. Their key demands include: Legal action against the State Water Department over ongoing water supply issues at UMS, a full reform of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) commissioner appointment process, harsher penalties for individuals found guilty of bribery and public dissatisfaction with the appointment of Tun Musa Aman as the Sabah Head of State, citing his controversial past About 350 meters away at Taman Chong Thien Vun, near the old Kota Kinabalu Court House, the second peaceful gathering unfolded. Led by Noridi @ Noraidi Maya, the group expressed support for Chief Minister Hajiji and the State Government. Noridi clarified that their event was not a counter-rally but a separate show of solidarity. He highlighted various forms of government assistance received by students, such as the Sentosa, BUDI and SUBSIDI programs. Addressing the ongoing mining corruption scandal, Noridi said it was best to let authorities conduct their investigations and advised fellow students not to speculate on matters beyond their understanding. He also noted that infrastructure issues, including water and electricity, have been longstanding problems currently being addressed. On the appointment of Tun Musa as Head of State, Noridi said the matter is settled and should be respected.
Borneo Post
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
GRS-PH Plus govt delivers major development
Hajiji presenting the State Government's Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) to recipients during the launch ceremony of the upgrading of Sook to a full district at the Sook District Office grounds in Keningau on Monday. SOOK (Apr 28): The State Government, led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and PH Plus, has not only planned but also implemented numerous development initiatives in the economic sector and for the well-being of the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Therefore, he said, claims by the opposition that the GRS-PH Plus government has not brought any development to the state are untrue. 'These are merely their tactics, constantly trying to deny every success achieved by the government. However, we are not standing still, we continue to work hard for the development of the state and the people. Various assistance initiatives have been provided to the rakyat, especially to children from B40 families who have succeeded in furthering their studies at higher education institutions. 'Among the assistance provided are the Bantuan Tunai Pendaftaran IPT (BUDI) and Bantuan Tunai Khas Peperiksaan (BAKTI), Bantuan Ihsan Komputer (BAIK) as well as a RM600 student flight ticket subsidy (GRS-SUBFLY) for Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and the RM300 Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Negeri (SENTOSA). 'These are part of about 13 educational assistance initiatives offered by the State Government to eligible students across Sabah,' he said at the launching ceremony of the upgrading of Sook to a full district at the Sook District Office in Keningau on Monday. Hajiji added that other initiatives for the underprivileged this year include the construction of 3,000 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ across all 73 State Assembly constituencies, involving a total cost of RM250 million. He said the latest assistance introduced by the state government this year is the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat (SYUKUR) program, which will benefit around 100,000 recipients in Sabah, particularly heads of households who are poor and hardcore poor, who will receive RM300 cash assistance monthly until the end of the year. Touching on issues related to water supply, electricity and road conditions, often used by the opposition as political material, Hajiji said the government acknowledges the inherited problems but continues to work hard to address and resolve them. Therefore, he said, a total of 13 high-impact water supply development projects have been implemented or are currently underway as long-term measures to ensure sufficient water supply in the state. Among these projects are Phase 3 of the Tawau Water Supply Scheme, the construction of the Kundasang Water Treatment Plant, the construction of the new Semporna Water Treatment Plant, Phase 1 of the Lahad Datu Water Supply Scheme, and the expansion of the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant. 'Meanwhile, the Phase Two expansion project for the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant in Papar, which involves upgrading its capacity from 40 million litres per day (MLD) to 80 MLD is expected to be completed by 2026,' he said. On the issue of electricity supply, Hajiji said various efforts are being undertaken, including the implementation of the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project, which will generate 187.5 megawatts (MW) of electricity. In addition, the Sabah Energy Council has approved nearly 1,000 MW of electricity generation through several power generation projects to meet the state's growing energy needs. 'These projects are not only aimed at addressing Sabah's electricity supply challenges but also form part of a long-term, sustainable solution for the state,' he added. Hajiji said even more development will be brought to the state, and he recently received updates that four out of 16 packages under Phase 1A of the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah project have been completed, while the remaining 12 packages are under construction with an overall progress rate of 81.7 percent. 'All these are part of the initiatives we have implemented and are still carrying out. What we are bringing now has never been done before. If given the mandate again, even more development will be brought to the state for the advancement and well-being of the people,' he stressed. For the Sook district, Hajiji said several development projects are currently actively being carried out, including two road paving projects, the 40km Sinaron, Sook to Linayukan, Tongod Road and the 22.85km Rancangan Belia Tiulon, Sook Road, valued at RM320 million and RM127 million respectively, both of which are under implementation. He said the construction of these paved roads would save time and travel costs while boosting local economic growth. On education development, Hajiji said four schools are currently under construction namely the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ambual, SK Rancangan Belia Tiulon, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dalit and SMK Trusmadi, the latter two of which are nearly fully completed. Meanwhile, the upgrading of health clinics and the construction of a Main Distribution Substation (PPU) by Sabah Electricity were completed last year. This includes the Sook Health Clinic project, valued at nearly RM1 million, and the Karamatoi and Marapok Rural Clinics, each valued at RM600,000. 'Additionally, a total of 120 residents have benefited from the Rumah Mesra SMJ programme in Sook between 2022 and 2024, with a total value of nearly RM9.6 million,' he said. In 2025, the state government has allocated RM6.4 million to build 80 units of Rumah Mesra SMJ for Sook,' he said. Hajiji stated that even more development projects will be brought to Sook in the future, which will benefit the people in the district, including the construction of a sports complex, Sook district hospital, a district police station, and the expansion of the Sook health clinic area. 'Every development initiative implemented reflects the state government's commitment to safeguarding the people's welfare and driving Sabah towards more advanced, organized, and equitable progress,' he stressed. In conjunction with the event, he also approved an allocation of RM2 million for the construction of the Sook District Open Hall and the upgrading of the Sook District Office building.
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Science
- The Sun
SPM top scorer from foster family background gets MARA sponsorship to further studies
TANAH MERAH: Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) will sponsor an outstanding student from a low-income family, Puteri Nur Ain Zulaikha Abdullah (pix), 18, to pursue her studies either locally or abroad. Its chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) Pengkalan Chepa student, who scored 9As in the recently announced Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), has been offered the opportunity due to her inspiring life story, having lived with adoptive families since she was a baby. 'She was one of the recipients of MARA's Education Assistance Programme (BUDI) during her two years at MRSM Pengkalan Chepa. 'We also offer MARA's overseas sponsorship under the Young Talent Development programme for outstanding SPM achievers to pursue studies, either abroad or locally,' he told reporters here today. Asyraf Wajdi said the student and her guardian would also receive flight sponsorship from Tanah Merah Umno to attend the BUDI-sponsored students gathering for SPM 2024 students who achieved straight As, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur in two weeks. 'I see a strong spirit and great potential in Puteri Nur Ain Zulaikha, and with her excellent results, MARA will help her to realise her dreams,' he said. Meanwhile, Puteri Nur Ain Zulaikha expressed her gratitude for the offer, which would help her achieve her dream and passion in the field of Quantum Physics. 'I aspire to further my studies in Quantum Physics in Japan. My interest in this field developed after I began reading and researching the subject. My SPM results are a gift to my foster family, who have sacrificed a lot to raise me,' she said. She said that since birth, she has been cared for by four different foster families. Currently, she lives with her foster brother, Mohamad Airul Roslan, 35, and his wife Nur Fatihah Saad, 26, who sells fish to support the family. 'Previously, I lived with my foster father. After he passed away, I was cared for by my foster grandmother. Two years later, she also passed away. 'I was then taken in by my uncle for several years until my foster brother took over the responsibility as my uncle has many dependents and his wife is suffering from paralysis,' she said.
