Abang Johari tables the Supply (2026) Bill during the DUN sitting today. – Penerangan photo

KUCHING (Nov 24): The government will continue a range of education support initiatives in 2026, including free laptops, book vouchers, student financial aid, and travel subsidies for university students.

Tabling the Supply (2026) Bill, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced RM30.5 million for the Free Laptop Programme and RM2 million for the Book Voucher Programme.

“The Free Laptop Programme, with an allocation of RM30.5 million next year, will provide first-year diploma and degree students with essential digital tools to support online learning, academic research, and coursework.

“Complementing this, RM2 million will be allocated under this budget for the Book Voucher Programme, enabling students to acquire textbooks and other critical academic materials necessary for their success,” he said.

Abang Johari said the state will also maintain its National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan repayment discount for Sarawakian borrowers who have repaid more than 30 per cent of their total loans.

“Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that offers a state-funded PTPTN loan repayment discount programme.”

Apart from that, an allocation of RM60 million will also be provided to support Sarawakian students enrolled in diploma and degree programmes at recognised institutions across Malaysia, helping cover essential living expenses such as food and daily necessities.

The ‘Graduan Pulang Sarawak (i-GPS)’ initiative will continue, offering flight ticket subsidies for students studying in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Labuan.

“Each eligible student may claim the subsidy twice annually, up to RM300 per trip. Since its implementation till now, RM35 million has been disbursed to subsidise around 117 thousand return trips.

“To continue supporting this initiative, we will allocate an additional RM8 million next year,” said Abang Johari.