Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is in the process of identifying B40 Sabah students who have enrolled in higher education institutions but not yet received financial assistance under the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS).
State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said that this is in line with the objectives of TPNS, which was initiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
A committee met with the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) administrator for this purpose. “Through the committee we will identify and assist them,” Dr Mohd Arifin, who is also Chairman of the TPNS Executive Committee, told a press conference after chairing the sixth TPNS Executive Committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu, Tuesday.
Earlier, the media highlighted the struggles of two young Sabahans who almost had to give up their dreams of university education due to poverty.
Crisnanalina Jumis, 20, from Kg Dalamas in Pitas, received an offer to study at UMS but her family could not afford the RM3,000 registration fee.
As the Oct. 14 deadline approached, Crisnanalina tirelessly attempted to apply for one-off financial assistance through the website (https://sabah.gov.my).
Unfortunately, poor internet connectivity in her village hindered her from completing the application process.
He plight was highlighted in the Daily Express and UMS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor instructed the UMS Student Affairs Department’s Student Welfare and Finance Division to contact Crisnanalina to assist her with her university registration.
Crisnanalina eventually registered and started her studies at UMS on Oct. 11.
Another, Nor Fasha Natashya Abdul Rahim, 20, a medical student at UMS, also almost could not continue her studies due to her family’s financial struggles.
Nor Fasha had planned to defer her studies for a year to gather enough funds for her registration for the next academic session.
Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin extended assistance to both Crisnanalina and Nor Fasha.
Dr Mohd Arifin urged community leaders to spread information about the available government assistance in their areas and encouraged students or parents to come forward if they need educational help.
“Those facing issues can report them to the Village Chief, Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), District Office or District Education Office.
If such problems arise, notify us immediately... we are working hard to ensure young Sabahan receive assistance,” he said.
The TPNS Executive Committee also approved RM3.6 million in aid for 54 students and for 2,000 out of 4,000 students who required eyeglasses.
Of the 54 students, 30 are pursuing Diplomas in Education, 12 are Matriculation students, 10 are pursuing Undergraduate Degrees, one is pursuing PhD and another, Diploma.
The students receiving eyeglass assistance were suggested by Sabah Education Director Datuk Raisin Saidin.
“For the first phase, TPNS approved assistance for 2,000 students across Sabah, involving RM400,000,” he said.
Since the beginning of last year, TPNS has spent RM9.7 million to assist 7,369 Sabahan students. Dr Mohd Arifin said the Chief Minister had instructed them to assist 11,000 students, existing and new ones, this year.
Regarding the Madani Budget 2025 tabled by the Prime Minister, last Friday, Dr Mohd Arifin, who is also the Sabah Education Exco, said that Sabah has submitted requests to the Federal Education Minister for priority consideration during a recent Exco Education meeting with the Minister.
“We have already submitted our priorities. Previously, the Director worked with us to submit these, and dilapidated schools that need immediate attention had already been identified, particularly those with Scale 7 and Scale 6 rankings.
We have also highlighted around 10 schools that suffered damage due to recent storms.
“I have also requested that these be given priority. Overall, the budget related to education is very good. I hope its benefits extend to Sabah as well,” he said.
The Education Ministry again got the largest allocation in Budget 2025 with RM64.1b – the largest in the country’s history.
Raisin and Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees Secretary cum Corporate Secretary Hanafiah Diman, among others, were present.
