Kota Kinabalu: A total of 2,477 students from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah received one-off education aid under the Sentosa programme on Thursday, aimed at easing financial burdens for students pursuing higher education within the State.
The initiative, known as Sumbangan Mahasiswa Pengajian Tinggi Dalam Negeri Sabah (Sentosa), is part of a RM6 million allocation by the State Government to benefit approximately 20,000 Bumiputera students studying at institutions of higher learning (IPT) within Sabah. Each eligible student will receive RM300 in cash.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who officiated the event at Dewan Al-Bukhari, UiTM Kota Kinabalu, said the aid reflects the State Government’s commitment to strengthening human capital development through education.
“Education is the foundation for shaping a knowledgeable, capable and ethical future generation. The State Government is serious about ensuring that no Sabahan is left behind in the national education agenda,” he said.
Masidi added that the Sentosa initiative is among 13 education-related assistance programmes rolled out this year with a total allocation of RM75.5 million.
These include aid for school maintenance, student excellence awards, exam support, flight subsidies for students studying outside Sabah, and computer assistance.
In addition to Sentosa, the State Government is also providing RM125 million in scholarships under the Biasiswa Kerajaan Negeri Sabah (BKNS) for 4,170 students, while Yayasan Sabah has allocated RM11.25 million for scholarships, study loans, and grants benefiting 1,879 students.
Masidi urged all parties to continue working together to ensure Sabah’s younger generation receives the educational support they need to succeed.
The event was organised by the State Secretary’s Office (Special Tasks) in collaboration with UiTM Sabah Branch.
